I was on a Japanese designers' pedestal - considered a maestro. My design was getting closer to a couturier's work, and I felt like I was missing something.

Just listen to the material. What is it going to say? Just wait. Probably the material will tell you something.

A pair of brilliantly cut cotton trousers can be more beautiful than a gorgeous silk gown.

Beautiful things are disappearing every day.

Dirty, stained, withered, broken things seem beautiful to me.

Fashion sighs after trends. I want timeless elegance. Fashion has no time. I do. I say: Hello Lady, how can I help you? Fashion has no time to even ask such a question, because it is constantly concerned with finding out: What will come next? It is more about helping women to suffer less, to attain more freedom and independence.

The best moments in my life are just before going to bed. Those are my happiest moments.