I like black, because for me it is a very happy color.
Azzedine Alaia
There is a sensuality about fabric. I think all materials should be inviting when they touch the skin. When I watch children stroking their mother's clothes, I feel that I have succeeded.
'Vogue' remains while its fashion editors come and go.
If I don't have a model in front of me, I don't have an idea.
The danger is we're losing sight of what women really want to wear.
I never followed fashion. It's women who have dictated my conduct.
I used to spend my nights oversewing dresses for a local dressmaker in order to pay for my school equipment.
A woman is like an actress: she's always onstage.
Who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one.
A human being is not a machine. Especially when it comes to creating.
I learned French in Tunis, along with Arabic. I also learned French history. I knew the entire history of the kings of France. And I was fascinated by Versailles.
My obsession is to make women beautiful. When you create with that in mind, things can't go out of fashion.
I make clothes; women make fashion.
Karl Lagerfeld never touched a pair of scissors in his life.
I want to speak directly with a star, not her stylist.
If you're sad about what you see in the mirror when you wake up every morning, you must change it.
As a child, I was raised with my grandmother, alongside all my cousins, and the kitchen was always full.
I work for women. I only think for them. If I didn't like women, I wouldn't do this job.
I am very curious. Every day, I say: 'What am I going to learn today, and whom am I going to meet?'
The present fashion system is too hard - there are too many collections. The designers have no time to think! Money is too important. Schedules are too crazy.
My father could be very strict, but very fair. His father was the same. We all respected my grandfather; he was the head of the clan. Every morning, we all had to say good morning and kiss his hand. But not me. I jumped on his lap and bit him.
There are certain people I am allergic to. I even intervene when I don't like a customer; I rush in and check all the names. If I don't like them, I don't take them.
It's important to make women feel confident, because I think they are more important than men.
You have to take things with a lot of laughter. I laugh with everyone; this way, I will be able to die happy.
You know Sarkozy offered me the Legion d'honneur medal? I refused. People said I refused because I don't like Sarkozy, but that's ridiculous. I refused because I don't like decorations - except on women.
When you have one idea per year, it's already a miracle!
I take it to heart that, for example, there aren't enough funds for AIDS research, but people pay 20 times the value of an item of clothing.
Beyonce is a beautiful, elegant woman who is also a wonderful dancer. And her voice is sublime. Just like her husband, Jay-Z, Beyonce has real talent. They are both the kind of truly great artist who will be remembered by history. Their child will be lucky to have such talented parents.
I have total confidence in Beaute Prestige International to accompany me in creating a perfume that interprets my work and my world.
I put myself on the same level as everyone else around me - from the directrice to the workman, everyone. Except my pets - they are the Kings; you must treat them like royalty.
Fashion will last forever. It will exist always. It will exist in its own way in each era.
I would rather die than see my face in a car advertisement.
The foundation of beauty is the body.
I don't wear perfume, and I don't like the air to be too saturated with scents.
I think women should be seductive, not triste. There's enough sadness in life now without making women look sad, too.
I even do my ready-to-wear samples like couture.
Bill Cunningham... he knows fashion better than anybody.
Anna Wintour doesn't deal with pictures; she is just doing PR and business, and she scares everybody.
When I was growing up, I never heard the word 'racism.' It was only in Paris I encountered that.
I love American girls. They're audacious. They put more outrageous things on their bodies than anybody.
I prefer to stay poor.
I am never sure that anything's good enough. Something that is good today will not be good tomorrow.
Ballet costumes are easier that opera because they are designed for movement.
Who can really say who invents something first in fashion?
I had used the stretch materials for years to shape the inside of garments I made for private clients. Then I just started using them on their own.
Even if I was in prison, I could be free in my head. I can adapt easily.
I've been wearing Chinese clothes since I was 14. I can't wear a suit. I'm small, and when I put on a suit, it's not possible.
I want to create a foundation, like a maison, in my home in the Marais. I am going to leave everything there. I am only passing through. I'm not a proprietor of anything, even if I have homes and things.
I'm always telling young designers to take the time to surround themselves with women.
Women must know themselves better than anyone. If you have ugly legs, wear long dresses. If you have long, great legs, show them.
