Roberto Cavalli was a "difficult child", but he insists dreams can come true because he managed to turn his life around.
The Italian designer was hoping encourage the fashion at the Oxford University Union yesterday by sharing his childhood experiences and explaining that is possible to achieve dreams.
He said: "Student life was horrible. I was a difficult child. I didn't really study anything, I learnt to read and write, but my biggest problem was my stutter. I used to tell my mummy, 'Why should I learn when I can't even repeat what I know?' She'd cry and say, 'What a disaster of my life.'"
However, the 72-year-old star managed to turn his life around when he attended the Royal Academy of Arts where he "learnt to be good" and explore his talent of printing.
The talk marked the second time Roberto has given a speech at the illustrious UK university, following in the footsteps of designers including Calvin Klein and Vivienne Westwood.
He explained: "It is truly an honour to be able to speak at the prestigous Oxford Union once again."
The fashion maven is famed for his wild parties and lavish lifestyle, which he believes go hand-in-hand with his job.
He previously explained: "It's part of my job to be a big actor. My role is to be a designer, yes, but also to be a rock star: that is how people expect to see me."
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