Giorgio Armani never thought he would become a successful fashion designer.

The 80-year-old star may have become a legend in the industry but admits he has been plagued with ''doubts'' as to whether he'd be able to forge a career in the business.

Speaking to The Sunday Times Magazine, he said: ''Every now and then I doubted I would get this far. Every year is constant trial and error. You never really know if it is going to be successful. You have to pit yourself against it and just keep going.''

And alongside his fears about keeping his elite position in the fashion industry, Giorgio also revealed his work and life are heavily intertwined.

He added: ''My life is really linked to my work. I don't have much of a life outside work.

''When I have a crisis, I buy shoes ... My company is my empire. No one can take my place.''

Discussing what he looks for in his models, Giorgio insists he prefers the women to look ''natural'' and haven't cosmetic surgery to stay looking young or improve their figure.

He said: ''(Cosmetic surgery) is idiocy, unless it is to remove a disfigurement.

''A small breast doesn't have to become big. I prefer to look at a natural woman. A woman should be courageous to become older, not be desperate to look younger than her age. With time, a woman's body is better. As a woman goes to work, has babies, she is strong. She has character. Look at Cate Blanchett.''