As well as being a creative genius, Vidal Sassoon was a formative figure of the Sixties. Along with the Pill and the mini-skirt, his influence was truly liberating.

I designed the miniskirt that caused so much havoc in the Sixties - the miniskirt that was such fun but has travelled well to today.

Most of my memories of the Sixties are ones of optimism, high spirits and confidence.

Fashion is not frivolous. It is a part of being alive today.

I divide my time between all the mud and open space in Surrey and the social life and work in London, particularly Chelsea, which still has the same village feel that it had in the swinging Sixties.

Having money is rather like being a blond. It is more fun but not vital.