Quotes from Carolina Herrera

When you do something that you like, and you think you can keep doing it, you don't think about retiring.

For me, fashion begins in New York.

I love books; my suitcases are always full of them. Books and shoes. I read when I am sad, when I am happy, when I am nervous. My favourite British author is Jane Austen, and my favourite American one is John O'Hara.

I have always loved trouser suits. It's something I absolutely believe in for women.

In general, fashion is challenging. Everything from clothes to fragrances.

Sometimes you see women that don't realize that age is changing your style, and they don't change.

Feeling good about yourself and your life is very important. I'm a happy woman, happy with my husband, my daughters, my grandchildren. We all get along quite well, and that keeps me centered.

Politics are private. I don't understand people who try to convince you to join one party or another.

Femininity is a lot of power. It's allure. And the moment you start competing directly with a man, it's not that fun.

Perfection does not exist - only God is perfect.

I very seldom compromise. I am a Capricorn.

Keep in shape: if you look good, you will feel confident.

It's important to find what really suits who you are, because style isn't only what you wear, it's what you project.

Elegance isn't solely defined by what you wear. It's how you carry yourself, how you speak, what you read.

When you're wearing something you feel comfortable in, you move better. That's why the most important accessory you can have is a full-length mirror.

You wouldn't know it but I'm no good at... cooking. My chef does that.

You need somebody you respect and admire to back you always.

I don't believe in naming clients to get press. I hated it when I was a couture client. If the dresses don't sell themselves, there is something wrong.

You have to have curiosity in life. The moment you don't have any more curiosity, then don't do anything. Retire and stay in your house.

There isn't a book that has changed me, but I have favourites such as 'Pride and Prejudice' which I often re-read.

I was brought up with considerable discipline, and I was taught it wasn't proper to display certain very private emotions in public.

Fashion is to please your eye. Shapes and proportions are for your intellect.

I'm not going to say that I'm perfect. I do have fashion crises.

You can be very feminine and be a leader. Christine Lagarde, she's very chic and she dresses very well, and she's a woman. And she has a lot of power.