But there's no denying you need money. In today's world, there is a lot of emphasis on it. Values have changed. Less emphasis is given to morals. We are aping the west in materialism-a lot of things. We are stuck in between.

We don't have confidence in our own roots. Does the making of money mar the enjoyment of it? It's a state of mind. It's very, very relative. I believe in simple living and high thinking. So I won't go to the extent of chasing it. For my type of profession, I think I'm a controversial person to be asked all this! I dress so simply that people often wonder what sort of clothes I design! I've been asked this many times.

As far as work goes, we definitely do try and stick to a budget and make wearable clothes. As Harmeet Bajaj put it, ours was the most "rational collection". It has to be within an affordable budget for the wearer because, after all, you need clothes to wear every day! I don't think I am money savvy. I can't handle money. My younger sister, Pali, is more practical. And we rely on our brother who is a chartered accountant. So mostly, the three of us take a joint decision.

Does money hold power? Definitely. A lot. I'm at a loss for words. See, if you don't have the money to present yourself in the best way, even your work won't look presentable. You can't experiment if you don't have money. To be successful today, money plays a very important part. To some extent, society does use it as a yardstick to judge you, your success. There are very few people who would do otherwise. According to me, that's not fair, but then, money can buy you everything, get you everything. Except like if you're ailing. Personally, money means nothing to me. But I am too emotional, not very practical.

So what would I do if someone left me a million dollars? I'd like to do a lot of charity. Actually, I don't know-I've never really thought about it. Maybe I won't accept it-because it's not my hard-earned money, is it?Do I like money? That's a very relative question. Like to what degree? This is something you can't do without. Money is so essential, you can't do without it. You'll cease existing if you don't have it, so you can't say you don't like it. For some, it's the ultimate goal. For me, it's very important, but it's not the last goal. There are certain things in my life that mean more, have more priority.

To some extent yes, money is an evil. As soon as you have a lot, you have ego problems. Actually, I don't think its fair to categorise it like that. There are two sides to the coin. Money does have good points, but then, on the other hand, everything has a negative side. What matters is the cause behind it.

I think I'm a spendthrift. There was a time when flowers were my greatest extravagance. I love nature. When I first started earning. I'd spend a lot on flowers. There was a time I used to like jewellery too, but now I'm trying to give it up. I'm a person of extremes. Finally, religion is the only thing that can get you peace. In spite of having money, you could be deprived of so much.

(Mona Lamba is a fashion designer and co-owner of the Monapali label.)-As told to Punam Mohandas