Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud Fashion Neurosis with Rachel Kushner
Sep 17, 2025
Rachel Kushner, an acclaimed author known for her novels like The Mars Room, shares her vibrant journey from a political economy student to a literary powerhouse. She and Bella Freud chat about their evolving friendship, the allure of fashion as a reflection of cultural experiences, and the lessons drawn from Dolly Parton's inspiring persona. They delve into the intersection of art and identity, discussing the pressures of the literary world while embracing authenticity. The conversation also touches on the importance of personal health choices and their impact on creativity and well-being.
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Vacation Pants And A Priceless Exchange
- Rachel describes buying vacation-style silk pants in a French village and the playful exchange with the shopkeeper that made them feel special.
- The pants cost little but the conversation and imagined identity they conferred felt priceless.
Attention Is A Means, Not The Goal
- Rachel treats attention as a means to an end rather than an end in itself, warning it can erode the capacity to listen.
- She values curiosity and watching others as the source of her writing and creative work.
Childhood Clothes: Sewn, Thrifted, Aspirational
- Rachel recalls growing up with parents who looked like hippies but were organized, and how clothing scarcity led to home-sewn garments and thrifted shoes.
- Childhood fashion memories include a Farrah Fawcett iron-on tee and fluorescent green Salvation Army clogs.
