“I love reading novels and I realised I hadn't picked any when I looked at the pile of books I made this selection from! But I was trying to reflect my preoccupations and interests over the years when choosing these texts. Like most designers I suppose I am always drawing on my own life - it is people and characters who fascinate me, who have changed my life or how I think. My family and friendship group are very diverse in terms of age, race, everything, and I've also met all sorts over the years through working - not just in fashion. I hope there's a depth to the collections we put together and it comes partly from the brilliant variety of people who inspire it. So I love people, and part of that love is engaging in the world, caring about our society and everyone in it, believing that the personal is political. I love the feeling of recognition and clarity you get when — Martine Rose
