I learned quickly that if the student's perception is that you're not listening to them, and not understanding them, they discredit you.

I found early on in teaching, if you're too blunt an instrument, the students discredit you and think you're just being mean. They're not interested in what you have to say.

But my manners also came from when I was in college and began participating in critiques. You have to speak with someone respectfully about their work and be honest and open, without hurting them.

With fashion, you really need to understand the aspects of construction. Not just design on an iPad.

Do you know what the difference is between knowing a bird and knowing about a bird?

Whoever's designing for plus-size doesn't get it. The entire garment needs to be reconceived. You can't just take a size 8 and make it larger.