DONATELLA VERSACE

In mythology, the Medusa can petrify people with a look - which is a good thing, I think. But the Medusa is a unique symbol - something strong. It's about going all the way.

I wake up at about the same time every day. I sleep well and wake without an alarm clock.

It's very important for a brand to have an identity through the years, but it's very important as well to evolve because times change so fast.

People are always surprised when they spend time with my children by how normal they are. They're polite. They're well mannered. They're very down to earth, in a way.

We all retire one day. If we want to, if we don't want to.

Richard Avedon is a true genius of photography and one of the greatest artists of our time.

On a hanger, no dress is sexy. It's just fabric on a hanger.

I like to eat. Definitely. I love sitting around a table with my friends. But I don't know how to cook anything.

I know who the Versace woman is, because I wear the clothes myself.

My muse changes all the time because I think every designer is a bit of a muse for themselves in a way - they just don't want to say it.

During the eighties and nineties, people wanted to be chic, elegant, bourgeois.

Lady Gaga is the present and the future. She is the most revolutionary and inspirational artist. She is fearless and daring.

The first thing I do each morning is get out of bed and give my dog, Audrey, a hug. She's a Jack Russell. I think having an animal is a wonderful thing, particularly dogs. They are great levelers, there's no nonsense with them, and they just want simple affection.

Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.

I don't like balance. Balance is not a word you can use in Versace fashion.

I don't like my physique at all.

I'm like a little kid when it comes to music. I mean, the music is always blasting wherever I am that people always knock on my door and say, 'It's too loud!' But I think music gives so much inspiration.

I think men know to seduce women though words and conversation and nice gestures. That's much sexier than when a man uses muscle.

At that time of the supermodels, celebrities didn't want to be in fashion; they thought they were more intellectual and interesting than anyone in fashion.

I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the first pattern, and then she had people working for her. So I grew up in an atelier, watching people all around me sewing. I was fascinated.

New York is full of creative people, not only in fashion.

Some say the economy means that you have to persuade people to invest in clothes - to buy less things but more expensive things. I disagree - invest in jewelry, or a house, maybe, but not in fashion.

To be Catholic puts a lot of fear in you. It's a great religion, but also one that can limit your experience. You fear experience because everything is a sin.

Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine.

Many young people don't know what Versace represent. I want to show what makes Versace an iconic brand.