Life is never what it seems - and that’s the great thing about it

One thing Della Valle taught me is the power to say no if something isn't right. That mattered even over sales.

I had no luck when I started out as a model. I keep telling people that it's the only career in the world that you can't choose for yourself - you have to be chosen.

If you don't feel comfortable in a plunging sweater, skin-tight jeans and killer heels, go home and change.

But overall when you work in fashion, you're always in a rush. You're always a little late, always in a hurry. Every single moment's important, so you never have enough time to do what you want to do. It's ridiculous.

I was going to the flea markets to buy furniture. It was getting done the way it was getting done - on a small scale and with a lot of soul and heart and risk. We did fashion like fashion was done before - spontaneously, with joy and freedom, and that's what created our identity.

Matching shoes and bags immediately age you by 10 years.

You can go out and hate everybody, hate your age, and hate all the things you don't have but it will show you have the face you deserve.

The secret of great style is to feel good in what you wear

I would love to live in India or in the South of France, but Roger Vivier doesn't have offices yet in New Delhi or Jaipur.