Dame Vivienne Westwood reads to get new ideas.

The eccentric designer - who is famed for creating the punk movement in the UK in the 1970s - was obsessed with Anatole France's 'The Gods Will Have Blood' even though it was difficult to read, and persevered because she has taught herself to continue even when she is unsure.

She said: "I couldn't put this book about the French Revolution down. I've given this book to people and they tell me they can't get through it. Sometimes books are difficult, but you should carry on because the more you read, the more familiar you become with other ideas.

"It's about being what I call a 'fit reader' - you have to push yourself and eventually you'll come to understand it."

However it is not the only novel she is interested in - she believes J. D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is an important piece for all teenagers.

She told Britain's ELLE magazine: "The American outlook is very useful and interesting because America's been such an important influence on the way we all think."