I truly believe that philanthropy and commerce can work together

Awkwardness gives me great comfort. I've never been cool, but I've felt cool. I've been in the cool place, but I wasn't really cool - I was trying to pass for hip or cool. It's the awkwardness that's nice. Fashion is about dressing according to what's fashionable. Style is more about being yourself. My breakfast is very important. Confidence. If you have it, you can make anything look good. I never like to think that I design for a particular person. I design for the woman I wanted to be, the woman I used to be, and - to some degree - the woman I'm still a little piece of.

The key to my collections is sensuality. My job is to bring out in people what they wouldn't dare do themselves. I feel that things happen for a reason and open up new opportunities. Fashion is to please your eye. Shapes and proportions are for your intellect. I think there is something about luxury - it's not something people need, but it's what they want. It really pulls at their heart.

A woman is never sexier than when she is comfortable in her clothes. I didn't like the '80s at all; it was a vulgar moment of fashion. You have to stay true to your heritage; that's what your brand is about. Women are more sure of themselves today. They don't have to emulate the way men dress. Give me time and I'll give you a revolution.

Men don't want another man to look at their woman because they don't know how to handle it. Money doesn't buy elegance. You can take an inexpensive sheath, add a pretty scarf, gray shoes, and a wonderful bag, and it will always be elegant. I would like to be a one-man multinational fashion phenomenon. Women are more sure of themselves today. They don't have to emulate the way men dress. I can't get sucked into that celebrity thing, because I think it's just crass.

Age and size are only numbers. It's the attitude you bring to clothes that make the difference. A lot of self-importance goes on in the fashion industry. I'm not like that. Age is something only in your head or a stereotype. Age means nothing when you are passionate about something. Age is something only in your head or a stereotype. Age means nothing when you are passionate about something. If I had the power, I would ban leggings.

I think in the darkest moments, we need a break. Grunge is a hippied romantic version of punk. Brides today are increasingly sensitive to the tastes, feelings and finances of their attendants. Those fashion designers are just crazy; but aren't we all? People said making clothes inside out was not proper. I disagreed, because clothes that are inside out are as beautiful as a cathedral.