The most powerful element is that a designer has to reflect the times. So often you can only sense a change, and not really understand until much later its significance.

I am thrilled to become International Vogue Editor at Condé Nast International, which has a real commitment to journalistic excellence, and to have the opportunity to write for a wider global audience through the Vogue websites.

The way
 that people dress makes them part of an army, dressed in their own uniform,
 determined to do something

My style has always been to choose the charming and quirky.

The Romanovs are overtaken by the Indian Maharajahs as American heiresses pick over the carcasses of fallen Empire.

The clothes that fire up my emotions are colorful and "different" pieces. My eye still picks out gilded-cloque glamour from among Burberry's streamlined trench coats or a hand-printed coat from Dries Van Noten.

I am not bothered about fashion's speed-up. I find it quite exciting!