Who said fashionable people don’t read? Truth of the matter is that we read more than your average ‘book worm’. We only choose to read things presented in a ‘fashionable’ manner. . . 

The personality questionnaire made famous by Marcel Proust has been a favorite lure for information since the nineteenth century. Now, in a thoroughly modern revisiting, Assouline has created a series of inquiries geared toward deciphering the stylistic predilections of the responders and has corralled 21 designers (from Alber Elbaz to Valentino) into giving their answers. The wildly varying ripostes of these fashion insiders are collected in the publisher’s simply titled volume, “Fashion Questionnaire.”

The replies range from witty and clever to vehement and earnest, and they make for an interesting look at the tastes of an elite group of influencers. You can also pick up a copy of the book ($34.95, Assouline.com), which includes blank questionnaires for you and your fellow trend-setters to fill out. 

Some of the questions and answers from some Fashion Designers featured: 

Your favorite color

The color caught in sparkling eyes [John Galliano] 

The most creative designer

GOD—she was such an efficient innovator [Isabel Toledo] 

What is your present state of mind?

Flying…as always [Roberto Cavalli] 

Your symbol of high fashion

Russian sable bathrobe coat [Michael Kors] 

The “look” you prefer in a man

Good manners! [Karl Lagerfeld] 

Your historical muse or icon

Eve [Oscar de la Renta] 

Your fashion motto

“The superfluous is always such a necessity”—Voltaire [Carolina Herrera] .

We are holding on to one of FashionAfrica.com’s favorite designer, Alber Elbaz questions and answers, but here’s a cheeky picture that introduces his questions: 

Other Good Reads:

 

Have a lovely weekend, and I hope you have been inspired by the previous blog posts by Gavin Rajah. Please spread the word and do your part. I believe the least we can all do is join the drive and sent gently used winter wear to his office.

- Wadami.