I put pressure on myself to propose something new – I think it’s the minimum that you can do as a fashion designer.

For a long time, my uniform consisted of a trench coat, wide flared jeans, and little bottines – I copied a pair that my mother had in this theater place. I had, like, 10 pairs of the same shoes.

Your priority has to be the creativity – and build a brand. That’s what everybody did – Balenciaga, Dior, Saint Laurent. That’s the smart thing to do.

You need something that puts a little distance between what you really are and what you want to show; it’s a shield, a protection.

I’d rather work with someone who likes what I do than create something for the red carpet that won’t make me happy.

More than anything, I’m designing for a woman of today. I want to be a witness of my time.

Fashion is a playground up until a certain age. But then you have to find your own signature and your own style.

You never do things thinking you will make a big statement. It just happens sometimes and you are lucky.

I'd rather work with someone who likes what I do than create something for the red carpet that won't make me happy.

I remember Grace (Coddington) looking at me and said, 'Can you do something?' and I was like, 'OK, how long do you give me?' and she said 'Half an hour?', I said 'Forty-five minutes?'