‘A Reflection of People’

But it’s a very, very mysterious thing. Why all of sudden do people like yellow? Why all of a sudden do people wear combat boots? It’s a very interesting way of interpreting your time, your period.

And you’ve gone through your phases too. I read you once wore a lot of fishnets and stilettos.

Yes, I did wear a lot of fishnets, and I still wear stilettos.

What made you go for the job as president of the CFDA? You’re certainly busy enough otherwise.

A while ago, they put me in charge of finding a new president. I really couldn’t sell it to the people who would be good for the job. I ended up thinking, “If I can’t sell it to anybody, then I’ll do it.” If they wanted me, I would do the best to come through. I did not do any lobbying or anything like that. We had a vote [between von Furstenberg and designer Joseph Abboud], and they asked me to come.

What are some of your plans?