I came from Bill Blass, where it was a well-oiled machine and if I said I needed a fabric, it was done. Now, I have to budget everything. I have to take on the role not just as a designer but a business. But Im a glass half-full kind of guy.

I'm constantly thinking about design, shapes, patterns and colors, so I just want to be more of a blank canvas. But there is a comfort in knowing what you're going to wear, and that probably comes from Catholic school, where I wore a uniform for 10 years.

I'm not a believer of luck. I think opportunity and hard work becomes luck.

I want to make clothes that make women feel beautiful.

I mean, I can cook, but I'd get very nervous having my food being judged by dinner guests.

I'm fascinated by furniture design and interiors, and I want to try designing all that stuff.

I make 98% of my collection in New York City and am generating jobs, so fashion isn't just frivolous for me. I understand levity about it. I also understand the depth of it.