When did you decide you wanted to be a designer?
Fifth grade — this was the year I opened my sisters' Paris Vogue and L'Officiel magazines and was amazed at the clothes I saw inside.

Who or what has shaped your designs the most over the years?
I'm inspired by movies, art, the women around me, and by the vibrancy of New York City.

How would you describe your style?
I try to make it feel effortless, which hopefully is the case since I buy a lot of the same things — white shirts, A.P.C. jeans, Margiela shoes and cardigans. It makes it easy to get dressed in the morning.

What is the one rule or value you try to instill in all of your staff?
Work hard, but have fun. And no drama, please!

If you didn't become a designer, what would you be?
A chef without the restaurant hours. What they do is amazing!

Which foreign country inspires your style most?
France and the UK — the men in London and Paris know the perfectly cut suit worn with ease and charm.

What are your favorite cities to dine in?
San Francisco, New York City and Barcelona

What are your favorite foods?
So many — bacon, bread, short ribs, dim sum, mangoes

Where is your favorite place to eat?
Anywhere with good friends

What is your beverage of choice?
Iced tea

What is your least favorite food?
I still had a hard time with tripe.

What do you eat when you are home?
Simple comfort food — roast chicken and minestrone in the winter; in the summer, anything with heirloom tomatoes is good with me.

How do you incorporate your sense of style into your cooking?
They say cooking is an art while baking is a science, so I go about it the same way as design — proportion, texture, color and, of course, taste. Hopefully, some things I design look good enough to eat!

Do you decorate your plates before serving?
I keep it simple — white plates and clean, homey presentation. It's all about the food!

What was the most spectacular meal you have ever had?
A childhood family trip in France — we went to the 3 star Michelin-rated Restaurant Georges Blanc in Vonnas, France. My mom was and is a huge foodie. It was almost like a pilgrimage going there, and I remember it to this day.