OLIVIER ROUSTEING'S MET GALA NEW YORK

As the fashion designer returns to NYC for the big event, he recalls his “Project Runway” antics last year and where he hides out as the city goes fabulously crazy

- As told to Joe Bromley

Where is your favourite destination and why?

New York. I think first of all, New York is full of creativity. The inspiration when you look around, it’s everywhere and it’s a city where the sky is the limit. The skyscrapers are huge, everything feels tall and dramatic, but in the right way because you feel everything is possible. I think that’s where I feel like the American dream exists and dreams can happen. That's the beauty of New York. As a countryside kid who grew up in Bordeaux, discovering the city was a dream. The first time I went to New York was when I became the creative director of Balmain aged 25 [in 2011]. From that day on, it was love at first sight.

When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?

Two or three weeks ago, for an event with my clients. I will be back this weekend for the Met Gala which is such a special weekend — I mean this is one of the most iconic weekends that you will always remember. First because I am working so hard on the collection we're presenting there — I know it is something that is not only for the night, but that will stay forever at the Metropolitan Museum. The incredible night that you spend with the most iconic people that it was your dream to meet. There’s all the energy, glamorous fun, the craft, and you forget everything for one night. We're all together and there’s no competition between designers. We all work so hard to make this night iconic with the clothes that we are doing. It will be even more spectacular this year as I am hosting my own dinner and party on Saturday with Johnnie Walker to celebrate my recent collaboration with the brand.

What are your favourite Met Gala memories?