Quotes from Donatella Versace

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

Many young people don't know what Versace represent. I want to show what makes Versace an iconic brand.

Something has to change in the world. Without change, young people will have no future.

My muse changes all the time because I think every designer is a bit of a muse for themselves in a way - they just don't want to say it.

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.

Some men look great unshaven; others just look like they forgot to shave. Beards and mustaches can be really distinctive if you go for an earthy, rock-and-roll look like the Kings of Leon or the Killers.

When my mother did fittings for her clients, I was hiding, looking at these beautiful ladies try on these fantastic clothes. I was dreaming as a small child to try these clothes on myself.

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.

Women's bodies are curvy, sensual, it's about being happy to be a woman - and sexy is always good

Powerful women intimidate men. If she's a really well-known woman, she has a career, she's famous - in that case, men are really afraid.

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

Scent is very important. Strong fragrances suit some men, while citrus types suit others. I like my men to smell fresh and woody, but also like a man.

The man of the millennium is much more liberated than the man of the '90s.

I love the mix of people who hang out at nightclubs now. Their individuality is an inspiration to me. The music they listen to, the clothes they wear and the way they wear them defines a street style that I love.

During the eighties and nineties, people wanted to be chic, elegant, bourgeois.

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.

I studied at a university in Florence and finished my degree. My mother was very strict about this recipe: You need to get your degree.

In fashion, women have more sensitivity, more sense of the body, so they know how things fit and feel. Yet there are not many women who study fashion. It's ridiculous.

We all retire one day. If we want to, if we don't want to.

I like perfume and flowers.

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

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 know who the Versace woman is, because I wear the clothes myself.

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.