It's hard to balance everything. It's always challenging.

My mother was extremely controlled, sort of flawless. And I always tend to be a bit more hippie.

I started at the very highest level so the upper end is something I know very well. I know it instinctively. But all the years I was designing, it frustrated me that I could reach so few women. Design is about point of view, and there should be some sort of woman or lifestyle or attitude in one's head as a designer. So my being able to reach the masses was something that meant a great deal to me - especially for women who could never wear Vera Wang.

A bride should look at everything she possibly can...just so she can experiment and see what makes her really feel beautiful or glamorous or classical or whatever she desires to be on that particular day.

I work with structure, but I go outside the box and give it my own spin. I adore the challenge of creating truly modern clothes - where a woman's personality and sense of style are realized.

As the mother of two daughters, I have great respect for women. And I don't ever want to lose that.

I don't live through my kids. But I do know what will happen in life, and I just want them well prepared.