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

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.

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.

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

Just as in life you always marry the same man, so I think you always buy the same clothes over time.

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

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.