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

I think preppy stands for optimism, confidence, energy and authenticity.

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

Other than a couple of moments in time, I always thought that, some way, I'm going to make it. I'm just going to make it. And I'm not going to give up. And I'm going to realize that dream. So, I never gave up. And I have realized the dream, and I enjoy every moment of every day.

My mother was kind and forgiving and would take in all the waifs and strays in our neighbourhood; we always compared her to Mother Teresa. She taught me a lot.

One of the most important things to me is to make things real, not have models who are perfectly groomed or clothes that are too perfect. It all has to have a twist because that's how people live.

I looked at my competitors and I thought that, "If they could do it, I could do it. And if, they are popular and doing well, I could compete with them."