I wanted to define the vocabulary of a wedding both visually and intellectually. The book is about more than weddings or wedding dresses. It's a metaphor for women's lives, their creativity.

I think fashion is intensely personal. It should be. It should give a woman a creative outlet, it should give her a little bit of an escape, and it should give her a little bit of individuality that she can add to her life. I don't mean redoing your entire closet. I mean that a great shoe or a great handbag or a great top or a great coat or jacket can change everything.

All I did my first year at Vogue was Xerox.

In the dream world of Matisse and the gritty reality of American frontier, the diversity of women in our society offers the chance for greater exploration and even greater inspiration.

Is she going to, or has she done it? Has it happened? What is the story here?

Fashion offers no greater challenge than finding what works for night without looking like you are wearing a costume.

Fashion to me has become very disposable; I wanted to get back to craft, to clothes that could last.