Never in my wildest dreams did I entertain the idea that I would become a fashion designer. First I made a dress because I was pregnant and I wanted to be the most beautiful pregnant woman. Then I made a sweater because I wanted to have one that wasn’t like anyone else’s. You have a more interesting life if you wear impressive clothes. I can design a collection in a day and I always do, cause I’ve always got a load of Italians on my back, moaning that it’s late. I sometimes feel that a pattern is almost a fashion statement in itself. 
I believe in comfort. If you don’t feel comfortable in your clothes, it’s hard to think of anything else. Insecurity is a waste of time. Clothes mean nothing until someone lives in them. I didn’t want to be a fashion designer, and for a good half of my career I didn’t like it. I always wanted to do other things. I am not interested in the past, except as the road to the future.
Dressing is a way of life. 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. Sometimes incompetence is useful. It helps you keep an open mind. I do not have one theme for each season, I just try to make beautiful clothes all year round. Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.
