In 1986, I returned to London as editor in chief of 'British Vogue.' Although I still thought of myself as totally English, to my surprise, everyone here thought I was some sort of American control freak.
I've been thinking a lot about the speed and spectacle in today's fashion industry, because they seem to mirror stresses in other creative fields.
I don't go to the afterparties. I think people always feel if I go to the afterparties, they have to behave well, which, after all, is not the point of an afterparty.
Fashion today is available to everybody in a way that it's never been before: you've got every designer you've ever heard of working for H& or Target. That's fantastic.
We have to reflect the world that we live in.
The elitist way of looking on the runway, frankly, seems old fashioned.
I'm very driven by what I do. I am certainly very competitive. I like people who represent the best at what they do, and if that turns you into a perfectionist, then maybe I am.
There is unfortunately a world that still exists that dismisses fashion as being a little bit frivolous and the people who work in it are not so smart.
Traditionally, those that work in fashion have always had the point of view that items made by hand have their own aura and are something special.
My first job in the States was as a junior fashion editor at 'Harper's Bazaar,' which I enjoyed, but not for all that long because I was fired by the editor in chief, who told me that I was too 'European.'
I see a lot of women in these great-looking sneakers, as though they are almost very influenced by sport.
I feel it would be a huge mistake for 'Vogue' always to be completely tasteful, completely perfect. I think it's very important for us to also rock the boat.
I'm very good at delegating - people work much better when they have a real sense of responsibility. But at the same time, I don't like surprises. I don't pore over every shoot, but I do like to be aware at all times of what's going on.
I'm horribly hands-on, I'm afraid. I like to read every caption.
It is so important for designers not to run scared, and not to be too worried about what's safe and what's commercial.
Previous first ladies seemed to feel the need to wear a sort of uniform, whereas Michelle Obama likes fashion and is very comfortable in fashion. She's happy to mix high and low, and she loves emerging designers. That will do nothing but good for our industry.
My father was a newspaper editor, so I was surrounded by journalists my entire life. I think the fact that he was so well known may be why I chose to go into magazines and move to the States at a young age.
I don't think of myself as a powerful person.
I surround myself with a talented group of people that are opinionated and interesting. I try to remain very open to what others have to say.
I'm always looking for a cover subject that reflects the magazine, an interest in fashion, in culture, in society. We're trying to bring the world into the pages of 'Vogue.' We do that by tapping into the zeitgeists with our cover subjects.
