Are you a saver or a spender?
I am a spender. It's part and parcel of my creative development of work.

Do you shop around for better value?
Absolutely. I drive hard bargains because I believe that the satisfaction of finding, for example, a rare object, becomes even greater and heightened in value if the margins of negotiation are up for discussion.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?
A luxury penthouse overlooking the hills of Fiesole in Florence and a first edition Ettore Sottsass "Carlton" Memphis shelving unit to sit within. I prefer not to mention the penthouse's cost, but the Memphis shelf cost around €15k.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?
A resin armchair, the 1988 "Mod. 4814" designed by the founder and owner of Kartell, Anna Castelli Ferrieri.

What ways do you prefer to shop – online or local?
I have never warmed to purchasing online – I prefer the "see to believe" process. However, this is being surpassed by the quality and enhancement of online service.

Do you haggle over prices?
It depends on the item and the expenditure, as well as the time I have to deliberate.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?
The recession has definitely heightened our awareness and has increased the value given to ever more hard-earned finances.

Do you invest in shares?
I'm not involved in shares at present, although the process interests me.

Card or cash?
A mixture of both. Cards for business, especially when travelling outside of Europe for obvious currency reasons.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?
A book – Sculpture Now, by Anna Moszynska (Thames & Hudson, 2013).

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?
I have approached all relatively big purchases I have made in the past knowing that I was in the fortunate position of being able to afford them.

Have you ever lost money?
Many seasons ago we had a sample collection that was lost in transit. A sample collection can be worth up to €50,000 or €60,000. Then you're showing those samples within a few days, so if part of the collection goes missing, you could lose out on €1 million worth of orders.

Are you a gambler?
I do enjoy the occasional flutter at the races without too much drama on either side.

Is money important to you?
I always try to keep in mind that it's easier to make money than to hold on to it!

How much money do you have on you now?
€86 in my wallet.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea