Gianni created the whole thing. I came later and helped him.

Gianni created the whole thing. I came later and helped him.

Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas.

It would be very easy for us to do a collection that everybody would like and not criticize. But criticism is a part of life. You have to take it.

I like perfume and flowers.

You can't pretend that everybody likes Versace. It would be boring. It's better to create a reaction than to create no reaction. That's dangerous.

I don't like my physique at all.

Sometimes big designers are afraid that people won't recognize them if they change that much.

In Italian there is an expression: We don't sleep on the fame.

Fashion is not frivolous. I am a businesswoman, a very serious person.

I don't like balance. Balance is not a word you can use in Versace fashion.

Fashion is all about happiness. It's fun. It's important. But it's not medicine.

A business woman needs a successful mix of design and practicality.

As with most things in my life, I believe you should try to enjoy yourself and never feel like you are a slave to a routine.

Die and born again, die and born again. It's the story of my life.

Fashion is a weapon that you can use when you need it.

Fashion is about dreaming and making other people dream.

Fashion is not frivolous.

Fashion needs fresh blood, and London is the most creative place for that.

For me the safety pin is about rebellion, and I'm punk in the soul.

Hollywood is a very inspiring place.

I always wear high heels - I simply feel naked without them.

I do think that exercise is important, not only to keep you in shape but also for your state of mind. However, I am not fanatical about it.

I don't even know what my natural colour is. Natural? What is natural? What is that? I do not believe in totally natural for women. For me, natural has something to do with vegetables.

I don't see anybody categorized as a 'fashion diva,' except for me! And I like that. I am thought of as a diva because I wear an evening dress and I take care of my look when I go out. I go to parties regarding business, not for fun. And that's why they call me a 'diva.'

I find older men more attractive than boys. I need a man who can teach me a thing or two.

I have an image of what a British gentleman looks like, and that image finds real expression in Prince Charles. He is beyond fashion - he is an archetype of style.

I have long been a fan and enthusiast where art is concerned.

I have to say, I grew up with fashion because my mother was a seamstress, and she had an atelier. She would cut the first pattern, and then she had people working for her. So I grew up in an atelier, watching people all around me sewing. I was fascinated.

I have worked with wool all my life as a designer. There's so much more to it than knitwear - it's an amazingly versatile material and can be used in so many different ways from chic to rustic.

I like to eat. Definitely. I love sitting around a table with my friends. But I don't know how to cook anything.

I love Alexander McQueen. I like the construction of his suits. I think it's fantastic.

I love anyone who breaks the rules, and musicians always break the rules - in an aggressive way.

I think glamour all the time. I wake up in the morning and I'm already thinking glamour.

I think men know to seduce women though words and conversation and nice gestures. That's much sexier than when a man uses muscle.

I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is.

I think people need to see Prince live to really understand how remarkable he is. He has always been inspiring because he is never afraid to break rules or barriers or invent something new - and if you love fashion, then you need to be able to do that.

I understand that the rule of fashion is to change, even as a successful designer - you do not want to be stuck in the same rut.

I wake up at about the same time every day. I sleep well and wake without an alarm clock.

I was a fashion addict by the time I was 11 years old. I'd wear a miniskirt and patent-leather boots.

I'm a designer, and I work very hard at that. People sometimes want to put down fashion by saying it's frivolous or superficial, but it's not that way at all. It's actually very hard work.

I'm like a little kid when it comes to music. I mean, the music is always blasting wherever I am that people always knock on my door and say, 'It's too loud!' But I think music gives so much inspiration.

I've learned how to appreciate what I have. And it's a lot. I'm very lucky.

If I could dress anyone, I'd like to dress the Queen - she can handle anything. I'd put her in black - she never wears black - and add a little leather, maybe. A little rock n' roll.

In fashion, only sexy won't go out of fashion.

In my life I had no other choice than to become a strong person.

In mythology, the Medusa can petrify people with a look - which is a good thing, I think. But the Medusa is a unique symbol - something strong. It's about going all the way.

In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life.

In order to be responsible, you need some discipline in your life. For a while I lost mine.