In the '70s, if anything, it was a more interesting time in fashion. It was a time when things were changing, especially in London.

My energy comes from freedom and a rebellious spirit.

I identified very much with punk, not only in the fashion sector, but in every other sector. The very nature of doing something new and free meant something that was against authority.

For something to be beautiful it doesn’t have to be pretty.

The idea was not to make a huge business, because the bigger you get, the more restraints I thought I might get. Number one was to do what I set out to do: make new and interesting things within the size of the business that is possible to do without restraints. The second goal was to do the business in order to achieve the first goal. That's what many people don't understand.

Comme des Garcons is a gift to oneself, not something to appeal or to attract the opposite sex

I don't feel too excited about fashion today People just want cheap fast clothes and are happy to look like everyone else