“The only thing that seems to be consistent these days is the lack of correct journalism. It was a jolly occasion and a good time was had by all, and it’s only a shame the fashion police will write anything as negatively as possible. But what can I do if the bourgeois don’t like me? I am not like them. I don’t deal in slights, I deal in truth. Thing is, there were no press in the building, so I’d like to know what they’re basing it on?

“The New York Times and their secret admiration society. If they go to all that time and effort to write about me I must be doing something right. A three page spread and I’m all over it. Isn’t it great that the fashion press need to write about me when there’s all these so-called Glitterati there? BUT I really liked the article, it wasn’t a bad review. If I really am trying to launch myself as designer, it saved me a fortune on advertising didn’t it.

“And c’mon! New York, just about the rudest city in the world, accusing me of being rude? They should take a look at themselves. I’m accused of being rude and storming out? I was going for a cigarette! We took many of the models with us. We started quite a little thing there. Of course, we’re not allowed to smoke indoors, but when we go outside we’re straight into the traffic pollution.

“We seem to have a New York fashion press that slags off anything British. And that’s at an exhibition all about the British! It seems strange that as Europe is trying to eliminate class; America is trying to start a new one based on money. A new elite. We already have a real monarchy, we don’t need another one, believe me!

“The Sex Pistols have had an enormous influence on media, arts and fashion. And many of the designers there have given us a nod and a wink. Apart from Vivienne! [laughs] Alexander McQueen and his tartan? The Sex Pistols and Scotland have always had a good relationship. We have mutual respect. They allow us to wear the tartan and we’re happy to give them a nod and a wink. That’s the way it is.

“Anyway, we had a good look around and had a jolly good time. Rambo really enjoyed his pub food. The Oliver Twist pies. It was fun. We had a good little chat with all sorts of people. When someone asks to have their picture taken with me I’m more than happy to oblige. We spoke to all sorts of people. Richard Gere went up 10 notches in my opinion. Excellent person.

“I went up and spoke to Vivienne during the day, she looks like a little old lady! [laughs] They told me she was ill, but she was there. Wearing those silly devil horns on her head and surrounded by this group of models. They looked like they were still wearing their coathangers! Green Day were there at night. Who did they pay to get them in? I shouted after them and they tried to run from me, and they shouldn’t have. They had the chance to talk face to face with the real deal and they didn’t.

“But a good night was had by all, a really good night, really enjoyed it. At the end of the night the DJ played ‘Pretty Vacant’, all these rich old lady’s bopping to the tune of ‘Pretty Vacant’! Hilarious. Donald Trump swinging his hair! [laughs] You know what, I might have sang ‘Pretty Vacant’, but I’m not pretty, and I’m not vacant. But the girls there were pretty and they were vacant! [laughs]

“Oh, and I’ve got to say, all this nonsense in the papers about me complaining about ‘girls in tight dresses’ - I don’t think so. I don’t think so! [laughs]. “

John Lydon.
The Horses Mouth.
May 4th 2006.