ZAC POSEN

I don't believe in one ideal beauty.

I am a compulsive and concise shopper.

I have so many fashion mistakes, but that's part of being in fashion. I think the people that you see make the most mistakes are usually the best dressers.

I want to be a major force.

I love creative people.

There is no reason for me to show my collection in New York, because it's not about craft and technique there.

I am totally unattached to material items.

Everybody wants to be a star right now, to be heard, to have a voice, so you have to give the confidence for people to have that ability - and give them the wardrobe to become a star.

Fashion is killing women's body image of themselves.

People who devote themselves to a life of style are admirable.

New York ladies all look immaculate.

I started cooking out of middle school depression.

The biggest thing politically within fashion is that the clothing should be displayed on different body shapes.

Taking sartorial risks and not following other people is what makes you stand out.

So many people are following fashion now. It's become fashion-tainment.

Food is everything. Food, friends, family: Those are the most important things in life.

I have a garden, and I collect different heirloom seeds from different neighbors.

Listen, I'm not a rich kid. I'm a cultured kid; I'm very rich in culture.

There's not one major greatest influence on my career. It would be film and great artists and great imagineers - Jim Henson, Walt Disney, Charlie Chaplin, people who understand the joy of the imagination.

I'm quite a tuxedo junkie, I collect them all year round.

The first time I went to the Met Ball, I was 16. I was an intern there and saved up to buy a staff ticket to the party. That was my favorite experience going. It wasn't the red carpet; it was the experience of being there for the first time.

At the end of the day, you can't compete with Mother Nature. If you've got a great tomato, just a pinch of sea salt is all you need.

I want to make things of quality. I'm a big believer in handmade, tactile, crafted pieces. I want to keep that tradition alive.

I'm a SoHo born-and-raised kid. So my parents dragged me to lots of museums, and for birthdays and any kind of celebration, we'd go to the theater.

Don't worry about what's cool and what's not cool. Authenticity is what's cool.