Antonio Marras was made creative director of Kenzo in 2008, after five years at the helm of the women’s collection. For Kenzo, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Marras has built on the brand’s colorful identity and adopted its signature magpie-like approach to dazzling fabrics, prints and textures. Here Marras reveals his thoughts on flowers and nostalgia––and why you should never sit next to him at dinner. 

What has been your most memorable show during your time at Kenzo?

I cherish the first collection where Sayoko Yamaguchi [the first Asian supermodel] traveled all the way from Japan to be in the finale. But I am like a father––I love all my children, no matter how different they are, which is why it is so difficult to pick only one.

Where in the world do you find most inspiration?

Movies. They nourish my eyes with images, my mind with stories, and my heart with feelings, and I need all of these to create a collection.

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?

A film director—that would be my dream.

What’s your top style advice?

Never try to be anyone other than yourself or let anyone impose a dress code on you. Once you find your way, never let any fashion trends interfere!

What’s your biggest indulgence?

Picking at desserts on my wife's and friends’ plates. I never order any for myself but it’s a guilty pleasure when I can steal it from others...

What would be your ideal way to celebrate?

With the people you like––otherwise it doesn’t make any sense.

What’s your favorite flower?

If I had to pick just one, I’d go for the Chinese peony. It is an Oriental flower that is both geometrically perfect and opulent—a mix of simple and rich. The smallest perfect rounded blooms open in an explosion of scented light petals. This is why I chose it as the symbol of the Kenzo concept store.

Nostalgia or Futurism?

Modern nostalgia.

Paris or Milan?

London!

Harajuku girl or Geisha?

Geisha!

We also asked our readers to submit questions for Antonio Marras via Nowness' Twitter and Facebook pages—see his answers to their questions at www.facebook.com/NOWNESS