I studied Economics at the Bocconi University in Milan, but after one year I understood that it was not my path. So I decided to attend the fashion school Marangoni, and during that period I fell in love with Paris. This city has always been so open to the world and cosmopolitan.

I started my life in Paris as a student at Studio Berçot in Paris, then I had my first contact with Haute Couture through an internship with Azzedine Alaïa. My teachers in Paris thought it was weird that I left Milan – the centre of prêt-à-porter – for studying in France. They are very proud – and glad – that I did.

He was so workaholic! I was still a student but worked with him in the atelier until midnight, every night. He had an extraordinary passion for his work and taught me the love of a job well done.

I was fascinated by design and the research of new materials, in 1986/87 I opened my own line. In the meantime I continued to create for the prêt-à-porter names such as Jill Sander, Guy Laroche and Chloé. I couldn’t forget that I was Italian and created my first collection with Murano glass.