My inspiration comes from many sources, and one of those sources is precisely the maison Versace. When I was a little boy, my family was not very well off. I had a sister who worked in a hairdressing salon. I lost my dad when I was 4 or 5 years old. I grew up with eight sisters and my mom. Nine incredible women all a little "à la Donatella Versace." Real strong women from the South of Italy, women who had sensuality. They had a confidence in their body and in their sensuality. And it was a poor family, I am very proud to say it.

Black is always elegant. It is the most complete colour in the whole world, made of all the colours in the palette.

For me, fashion is a job. I love it. It's my passion. But the most important thing for me in general is life.

I didn't know I was going to become a designer; I was going to become a successful person, but I really wanted to be free.

The aborigines in Australia, the way they dress is very honest; it's not about: "Oh, you wear a skirt, you're gay."

To leave Italy at 17 without money and go to a country like England is very rare; Italians stay with the family until 30, 35. But I couldn't stand to live in this box anymore. I was getting bigger, and the box was getting smaller.

I come from a very poor family, with sisters. I never really knew my father, so I miss this strong image of a man in my life.