Verbatim
'I said, Wow, this is a man who inspires me for this collection because he's all about change and hope and to challenge the future.' --Donatella Versace, on choosing Barack Obama as the muse for her spring 2009 menswear collection
'I don't like this idea of boys who look about 14 representing menswear, who have round shoulders and look at their shoes.' --Dior Homme designer Kris Van Assche on male models
'When you do menswear, it's less about thinking outside the box than about pushing the walls of the box outward.' --Designer John Varvatos
'We think everyone is in the mood for a return to optimism. It's time for change, and it seems like there are brighter days ahead.' --Designer Rolf Snoeren on his upbeat Viktor & Rolf spring 2009 menswear collection
'I used to be hip. I can't be hip anymore. I'm running for President.' --Senator Obama, after refusing to wear hip-hop-influenced clothing for a photo shoot
Sources: CNN; Independent; New York Times; Los Angeles Times; Vibe