VALENTINO GARAVANI

I didn't like the '80s at all; it was a vulgar moment of fashion.

Unfortunately, the greatest photographers don't pay extreme attention to the clothes. If they decide to put a dress in a bathtub or in front of a cow in the countryside with dirt everywhere, well, the dresses come back... ready to be put in the garbage.

I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.

An evening dress that reveals a woman's ankles while walking is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.

I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that have taken place in the world of fashion and in its business.

There are only three things I can do - make a dress, decorate a house, and entertain people.

My first year, people were interested in me because I was new. Then the press started to come.

I am always locked in my design studio.

I like things simple.

I hope people will say, 'Mr. Valentino, he did something for fashion, no?'

I am like a freight train. Working on the details, twisting them and playing with them over the years, but always staying on the same track.

I am happy that thousands of students, young designers and fashion people will be able to see and study my work in every aspect of it.

Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that.

I love the 2000s because everyone started to love haute couture.

I love my beauty. It's not my fault.

I have my favourite fashion decade, yes, yes, yes: '60s. It was a sort of little revolution; the clothes were amazing but not too exaggerated.

Only wear clothes that make you feel alive.

When I entertain at home, I take time and pleasure in the small details that make all the difference. Entertaining is about giving to people and sharing with them.

French people are charming, adorable but not extremely generous with foreigners, but they believe in what they do. I feel proud in exchange because what I did in restoration is something I did for La France.

Elegance is the balance between PROPORTION, EMOTION & SURPRISE.

I have a lot of energy after 2 A.M. I like to sleep in the morning. I have some problems at the start of the day.

I always enjoyed myself a lot in pre-school.

It is a big problem and so I don't know for sure if I say yes or no to Ferrari.

Very few designers today design - it's very important to be able to do your own sketch on paper and then explain [your vision] to the fabric cutters. Instead, lots of designers drape - it's the new way.