The fashion world is much more ephemeral than the film industry and moves at a faster pace, and it's got even more frenetic since the Nineties; more paparazzi hanging about and it seems to me there are even more fashion magazines.

Time and time again I was told that I would never make the film on time and never make it on budget. That kind of criticism tends to turn me into a great big motor of efficiency.

My father died prematurely at the age of 52 when I was 24, and it is a recurring regret that he never lived to see me succeed beyond university and drama.

Always have an answer - even if you change your mind five minutes later.

Ensure that your script is watertight. If it's not on the page, it will never magically appear on the screen.

Well, it's true that I've never been solitary, although I spend a lot of time alone. I've never felt lonely or been shy.

I am a very judgmental person. Of myself and other people. I recognise it's a great fault, but I have no power over that.