MANOLO BLAHNIK

I get more tired by travelling than anything.

The greatest luxury is being free.

I couldn't care less about business.

Everything is global now. It's not London, it's not Spain, it's not Italy - everything is everywhere. So you have to be everywhere, I guess.

Maintenance is terribly important.

I'm OK: I don't need money.

I'm very painful to deal with when I create a shoe.

I've never been tempted to do these hideous furniture shoes.

I never thought that I would sell to young people, but now girls who are 14 and 15 buy my shoes.

I think I am one of the smallest surviving brands.

I hate these platforms that are all over the place today; they are all about grabbing attention. They are suburban! I never do a platform. Well, I did, in the 1970s, but that was a bad experience.

Papa died when he was 77.

My mother is incredible. I mean, still is today.

I think of each new season as an evolution, not a change in style.

I'm like an old vampire, so it's important to talk to young people.

My shoes are special shoes for discerning feet.

Sometimes I hate a shoe in seconds.

If I was a woman, I would be dressed in the same thing for a month and just change my hat and gloves. Maybe my shoes too; yes, I see what you mean but, really, it's jewels that change an outfit.

I never wanted to be the most famous, the most beautiful, the most extravagant.

I just don't get death at all. Yes, it's there. But I don't get it.

I don't know why my shoes are so popular - I am always surprised and mystified by it.

Most of the people nowadays send their things by internet. But I cannot work that way. I like to do it myself.

There is nothing charming about a woman who cannot walk in her shoes.

A lot of things trigger my inspiration. It can be the most banal things.

I'm very self-critical.