The best fashion party I’ve ever attended was…

Valentino’s 40th anniversary in Rome. The best Italian food with the most beautiful settings. The most important thing I’ve learned working in fashion is… to look to the past to predict the future. My favourite catwalk show ever was… my first show for Chanel in 1990. Karl Lagerfeld said to me, “Just walk like you’re going to school.”

The first friend I ever made in the industry was…

photographer Ellen von Unwerth.

If I were a piece of clothing I would be…

a really soft cashmere sweater.

The city with the most inspiring style is…

London, it’s truly cosmopolitan.

One thing my mother taught me about fashion was…

to only wear sneakers when you work out.

The most surprising thing you’d find in my wardrobe is…

a few Dirndls [traditional German dress].

If the fashion industry remembered me for one thing it would be…

hopefully being able to add a little beauty and panache to my very Teutonic world.

Limited-edition tote available from 23 September, Tommy Hilfiger (tommy.com)

This handbag will save lives