My mom would take me to restaurants, and the first thing I'd ask for would be a pen and a napkin, and I'd sketch shoes and shoes and shoes.
No one is going to understand your brand better than you.
I think sometimes there are negative connotations for those who have a business mind as well as a creative side.
I've always said I'm not the kind of designer who likes to lock himself away in a studio and let the rest of the company deal with it. I work very closely with everyone on the team.
Designing a product and understanding how it filters through into the market and into the rest of the company is very important to me.
I love layers!
I seem to always start a collection by designing outerwear and jackets.
I never really did sports growing up. Maybe that's why they intrigue me. The technology that goes into that clothing is steps ahead, so it's always been something I look towards.
I don't think fashion week will go back to what it used to be because people are realising that the industry is completely changing. It's not just in Bryant Park any more, people are figuring out who their audience is, where they want to show, they aren't really playing by the rules. It's not so much about these editors, these buyers.
If someone realises the piece they are wearing is inspired by me then it only broadens my audience.
When I decided to launch my first knitwear line, it was because I saw a void in the basics category. The editors were always looking for cool, fashion-forward tees and sweaters. So that's where I started.
The great thing is that young talent isn't tied to a how-to model for starting a line; we get to find new ways to go about doing things. And don't let people tell you you can't. Go find a way to show that you can.
In the beginning I pushed toward perfection, but it takes time to get to certain places.
When you focus on the consumer, the consumer responds.
If you're designing out of a purely creative place, not thinking of the girl, then the consumer's not going to take notice.
I like to write and draw everything with sharpies. I even got one with my own name on it!
Probably the earliest memories for me would be going to restaurants with my family.
You know, when you go to high school or, you know, when kids are younger and there's not an understanding of differences. But I built up a very strong, thick skin.
