Why sunglasses - a natural addition to the brand? I have always worn and loved sunglasses so it was a natural brand category for me to enter. I wanted to create a collection that complimented the other Victoria Beckham ranges.

What makes a great pair of sunglasses? Quality is paramount. All of my glasses are hand crafted in Italy. Then the shapes need to be flattering but also fashion forward. You should wear a great pair of sunglasses – they should never wear you.

Sunglasses have a natural association with celebrity status. What are your thoughts on this? Throughout our cultural history we have seen iconic people wear sunglasses. From James Dean to Jackie Kennedy Onassis through to the likes of Karl Lagerfeld. They have become a key visual in fashion history. They can make even the most simple outfit chic.

Do you have a favourite pair, or a pair you like to hide behind when you want privacy? My favourite pair is currently the metal butterfly from the next collection. They come in black and gold.

What about David? What is his favourite from your collection? Currently he really likes my version of the classic aviator with a sky blue mirrored lens.

Tell us about who wears your clothing and eyewear really well? There are lots of women who wear both really well – not necessarily people in the public eye.  Both the clothing and eyewear have been designed to make a woman look and feel beautiful….whoever they are.

What about your personal style...where do you draw inspiration? When I am designing I get inspired by a huge amount of different references, places I've been, art I've seen, people I've met. As for my personal style – I dress for how I feel at the time.

Your style has been compared to Audrey Hepburn...  How flattering. I think she had great style and grace. That's a huge compliment!!

Looking at the eyewear collection it seems to draw from many places. Can you tell us a bit about this? I am inspired by so many things in design – you can pull ideas for colour, texture, shape and materials from all sorts of places.

The eyewear collection is stunning but what would you tell people as to why they should buy VB eyewear, given that it's more expensive than most of the classic Italian brands? I am really very proud of the collection as it exemplifies everything I want in a pair of sunglasses.  They are designed to fit the face perfectly, be flattering but retain an edge and originality. There is nothing else on the market like my designs.  They are 100% hand crafted in a small artisanal workshop in Italy using only the finest materials and lenses and with only limited amounts produced of each design they are even more special.

Do you have any tips on maintaining personal style but channelling important trends? Of course it is important to be aware of important movements in fashion but I always believe in dressing to suit the individual and to never slavishly follow seasonal trends.

What is your ultimate sunglass capsule collection? The mini collection I currently travel with is the classic aviator, oversized acetate and the cat's eye style that I showed in my last ready to wear show.

What sunglasses would you recommend for shopping and what about a day with the kids? Something light on the face as there is a lot of running around to do with three boys!