Quotes from Azzedine Alaia

I love film - it's like painting.

When I was growing up, I never heard the word 'racism.' It was only in Paris I encountered that.

I want to create a foundation, like a maison, in my home in the Marais. I am going to leave everything there. I am only passing through. I'm not a proprietor of anything, even if I have homes and things.

'Vogue' remains while its fashion editors come and go.

When you have one idea per year, it's already a miracle!

I don't wear perfume, and I don't like the air to be too saturated with scents.

Bill Cunningham... he knows fashion better than anybody.

Anna Wintour doesn't deal with pictures; she is just doing PR and business, and she scares everybody.

The present fashion system is too hard - there are too many collections. The designers have no time to think! Money is too important. Schedules are too crazy.

If you're sad about what you see in the mirror when you wake up every morning, you must change it.

There is a sensuality about fabric. I think all materials should be inviting when they touch the skin. When I watch children stroking their mothers clothes, I feel that I have succeeded.

I am never sure that anythings good enough. Something that is good today will not be good tomorrow.

I've been wearing Chinese clothes since I was 14. I can't wear a suit. I'm small, and when I put on a suit, it's not possible.

I even do my ready-to-wear samples like couture.

I prefer to stay poor.

Even if I was in prison, I could be free in my head. I can adapt easily.

As I said many times, the fashion world, its system, can be disturbing.

I am very curious. Every day, I say: 'What am I going to learn today, and whom am I going to meet?'

I never followed fashion. It's women who have dictated my conduct.

As for success, I don't care for it. It is a fragile thing.

Who will remember Anna Wintour in the history of fashion? No one.

Beyonce is a beautiful, elegant woman who is also a wonderful dancer. And her voice is sublime. Just like her husband, Jay-Z, Beyonce has real talent. They are both the kind of truly great artist who will be remembered by history. Their child will be lucky to have such talented parents.

In an ordinary suit and tie, I'd look like a little macho. I'd be ridiculous.

I'm working 24 hours a day. I have had a house in Tunisia for 20 years, and I never have time to go because there are collections, fittings.