I live in Paris in the 16th Arrondissement, where I have always lived. In fact, I live close to the street where I grew up. My day begins very early because I have four children: nine-year-old twin boys, a six-year-old boy and a 19-month-old girl. I start the day at 7.30am because my children have to take their breakfast and go to school. I have a nanny for the boys, but I like to wake up and spend time with them.
When my children have gone to school, I have breakfast and then it is time to take care of me. I try to go out presentable, and I don't like to be rushed. I don't like to be under stress or under pressure (before leaving for the office). I usually leave about 9.30am, but it depends if I have an appointment out of the office. I am close to the office, so I drive my VW Beetle. I love to drive - I feel free when I drive. For me it was very important to have my driver's licence. My car is like my house.
When I get to the office, I often have meetings with my team or appointments with artisans. Or I may have to go to an exhibition or see second-hand jewellers. I love antique jewellery. I love to be in the street as it is very inspiring. I love the life and the people (you see) and find it inspiring for my designs.
At lunch, I may have appointments with journalists. But sometimes I have lunch with friends, although I don't like the idea of having a long lunch. I don't like to waste time shopping either. So when I shop, I often do it in my lunch hour - but never at the weekend and never with friends because I know exactly what I want and don't like to be influenced.
The afternoons can be similar to the mornings if I don't have appointments. I usually draw or design jewellery in the afternoon. I am always inspired because I think to myself, 'What do you want that you don't have?' It is a desire. (But) my inspiration can come at anytime. I can think about a new idea when I'm driving and have a pen and notebook in my car just in case. I look at all the images around me and look at magazine clippings as well. Sometimes what I see is not for now, and can be used in two years' time, for example. I am curious to know what is happening in magazines, but it is not essentially fashion or jewellery - it can be words or a picture. The inspiration is from all aspects.
I love rings ... big rings. My jewellery has to have drama and a presence, and you can see rings; you don't have to be in front of a mirror to see them. I love the big rings by Dior called Incredibles because they have a story to tell. For me, it was the first piece of jewellery I created at Dior and it was something really new for this type of jewellery. My favourite stone is the opal, in particular from Australia. You have every colour in them. I also like pink stones.