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

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.

I used to get tons of letters that said, "I'll never get to wear you," or "I'll never get married in one of your dresses," or "I'll never have an evening gown like the one I saw on the red carpet." I thought that was sad, because you give your life to this and you end up reaching very few people. So that was a major goal for me - to be able to reach and encourage more women, to encourage them to express themselves and be what they want to be.

When I decided to get married at 40, I couldn't find a dress with the modernity or sophistication I wanted. That's when I saw the opportunity for a wedding gown business.

I am not the sort of woman who would wear high heels with a bathing suit. Let's get that straight right now.

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