Designer

I grew up in an African household, so lots of chicken, lots of rice. We ate Jollof rice, a very West African dish.

In my work, I have always tried to push the boundaries of what fashion can do.

I take random inspiration from everywhere.

The fashion industry needs to breed a whole different way of thinking. We need more diverse people working in all facets of the industry.

I come from a family who didn't have much money but raised me to believe that money wasn't the most important thing in the world. We had enough; we were happy.

If you put one model in a show or in an ad campaign, that doesn't solve the problem. We need teachers in universities. We need internships. We need people of different ethnic backgrounds in all parts of the industry. That really is the solution: you have to change it from the inside.

People of power have to show empathy and kindness to the young.

Social media and technology are democratising and opening up fashion and the process of fashion for all - this has good and bad sides, but that comes with any change.

Most of the time, working as a stylist, you're at home, working on your own, researching.

I've learned to put a big value on having a life outside of fashion, and I think that's what's saved me, because the fashion industry can suck you in.

I'm just propelled by insecurity; that's what really leads me to want to do better.

People like me thought America was the best place to be creative, to be free to create, to have the freedom to be who you are.

I didn't grow up with money; I didn't come from a rich family. But what fashion gave me was an escape into a world of creativity: if I couldn't afford that Junior Gaultier jacket, then I'd get one from the market and customise it.

You never know where inspiration is going to come from.

Growing up, I loved the imagery I saw from America as it celebrated being the land of the free and home of the brave.

I realise I am stepping into the shoes of a hugely respected editor in the shape of Alexandra Shulman, someone who has chosen to leave at the top of their game with a legacy of 25 years of success.

Coming from a family who put a lot of emphasis on academics, I always thought I was going to be a lawyer.

I've always been very fascinated by technology - the Internet, social media.

I was really sheltered growing up, with six brothers and sisters. We played together all the time, and I was living in a fantasy world, like most creative people.

When you start out in the industry and things are tough, and you're not really making money, you question yourself: should I give up?