My rule of thumb is to strike a balance by sticking to the classics and playing with color, texture, and print to give them a modern update. On any given day, I keep it simple with jeans or chinos and a comfortable dress shirt.

American style is about confidence, independence, diversity and free expression.

I disapprove of lots of decisions made by George Bush: the war, the meddling in the affairs of other countries, the conversations with dictators; it was a dark time.

Consumers around the world always want something unexpected and exciting, and that's what drives me. I love the challenge of reinterpreting my designs in new ways each season to keep the "prep look" modern and fresh.

No one is an inventor in the fashion business. Designers recreate fashion.

My mother inspired me to treat others as I would want to be treated regardless of age, race or financial status.

In designing a lifestyle brand, you have to know more than just designing clothes.