Quotes from Valentino Garavani

I didn't like the '80s at all; it was a vulgar moment of fashion.

An evening dress that reveals a woman's ankles while walking is the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.

I put the number 7 on my t-shirt because this is the number of my championships but also because it was the number of Barry Sheene, who was a great hero of mine and a truly great racer.

I hope people will say, 'Mr. Valentino, he did something for fashion, no?

I like things simple.

My first year, people were interested in me because I was new. Then the press started to come.

There are only three things I can do - make a dress, decorate a house, and entertain people.

My normal life is like being on holiday.

Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that.

I have my favourite fashion decade, yes, yes, yes: '60s. It was a sort of little revolution; the clothes were amazing but not too exaggerated.

It is a big problem and so I don't know for sure if I say yes or no to Ferrari.

When I entertain at home, I take time and pleasure in the small details that make all the difference. Entertaining is about giving to people and sharing with them.

I love the 2000s because everyone started to love haute couture.

I love my beauty. It's not my fault.

I am like a freight train. Working on the details, twisting them and playing with them over the years, but always staying on the same track.

I am especially grateful that I have been able to keep my own style over the decades, in spite of the many changes that have taken place in the world of fashion and in its business.

Unfortunately, the greatest photographers don't pay extreme attention to the clothes. If they decide to put a dress in a bathtub or in front of a cow in the countryside with dirt everywhere, well, the dresses come back... ready to be put in the garbage.

I know what women want. They want to be beautiful.

I am Valentino Rossi. If I stay in MotoGP it is to try to win. When that is not possible it is time to stay at home and work in the garden!

I am happy that thousands of students, young designers and fashion people will be able to see and study my work in every aspect of it.

I am always locked in my design studio.

I love my beauty. It's not my fault.

I have my favourite fashion decade, yes, yes, yes: '60s. It was a sort of little revolution the clothes were amazing but not too exaggerated.

Even as a young boy, my passion was to design, and I have been very lucky to be able to do what I have loved all my life. There can be few greater gifts than that.