I brought color to bridal. There was one whole season of blush. If you think about the bareness, the illusion (fabric), the corsets that I did in bridal, they were trends in ready-to-wear, too.

I started at the very highest level so the upper end is something I know very well. I know it instinctively. But all the years I was designing, it frustrated me that I could reach so few women.

Figure skating has been a great influence for me. I took dance at the School of American Ballet, which helped my own skating. And whether you are a skater or a dancer, without sounding narcissistic, it is all about looking in the mirror.

My mother was extremely controlled, sort of flawless. And I always tend to be a bit more hippie.

Fashion to me has become very disposable; I wanted to get back to craft, to clothes that could last.

I'm not really a girl who likes to go out to lunch or cocktails or store openings.