Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud
Bella Freud
Each week join the renowned fashion designer Bella Freud as she invites a special guest to ‘lie on the couch’ and explore the connection between fashion and identity. Bella’s conversations begin with questions about style and what we reveal through the clothes we wear. Bella also shares her own anecdotes and the conversations expand into deeper discussions on life’s universal themes—love, identity, culture, anxiousness, and even politics.
Through a series of tailored questions, Bella creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where her guests—ranging from fashion icons to cultural figures in sport, art, music and literature reveal more about themselves than they might expect. Fashion is often dismissed as superficial, but in this podcast, it becomes the lens through which we examine our inner lives, relationships, and society.
From Kate Moss to other notable guests, Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud offers a unique, thoughtful, and engaging conversation that goes far beyond what we wear: diving into the unspoken language of clothing and the ways in which we use style to navigate and communicate in the world.
www.fashionneurosis.com
www.fashionneurosis.substack.com
@fashioneurosis_bellafreud
Through a series of tailored questions, Bella creates a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where her guests—ranging from fashion icons to cultural figures in sport, art, music and literature reveal more about themselves than they might expect. Fashion is often dismissed as superficial, but in this podcast, it becomes the lens through which we examine our inner lives, relationships, and society.
From Kate Moss to other notable guests, Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud offers a unique, thoughtful, and engaging conversation that goes far beyond what we wear: diving into the unspoken language of clothing and the ways in which we use style to navigate and communicate in the world.
www.fashionneurosis.com
www.fashionneurosis.substack.com
@fashioneurosis_bellafreud
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
Fashion Neurosis with Rosalía
Joining Bella Freud, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rosalía shares her creative journey and passion for fashion. She reveals her unique writing process, tapping into a pre-sleep state for inspiration. Rosalía discusses flamenco's emotional depth and how it shapes her romantic life, while also advocating for authenticity in fashion. The pair explore the influence of supermodels and artists on her aesthetic, addressing themes of risk, surrender, and the beauty of imperfection in both art and life.
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 9min
Fashion Neurosis with Alexa Chung
In a lively conversation, Alexa Chung, the multifaceted presenter, writer, model, and fashion designer, reveals her personal style evolution and the influence of humor in her early career. She shares the profound impact of surviving the 2004 tsunami on her outlook, her thoughts on the essence of being an 'It' girl, and why she admires Miu Miu and Prada. Alexa also discusses tackling insecurities as a model, her writing process, and the importance of comfort in fashion, all intertwined with a nostalgic flair for British comedy.
7 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 19min
Fashion Neurosis with Arthur Jafa
Arthur Jafa, an acclaimed American artist and filmmaker, dives deep into the complexities of Black aesthetics in a captivating discussion. He shares his childhood longing for cowboy boots and reflects on how personal style impacts identity. Jafa explores the boundaries of culture through mixing and transposition, while examining the interplay of beauty and horror in art. He questions the disparity between the world's love for Black music and the acceptance of Black people, offering profound insights into the essence of Black creativity and representation.
Oct 22, 2025 • 52min
Fashion Neurosis with Tessa Thompson
Tessa Thompson is an American actor. Her father is the musician Marc Antony Thompson who founded the musical collective Chocolate Genius Inc. She was raised between New York and Los Angeles, making her stage debut as Ariel in the Los Angeles Women’s Shakespeare Company production of The Tempest. Tessa has been nominated for two BAFTAs and a Primetime Emmy for her work in the 2021 film Passing directed by Rebecca Hall, and the 2020 film Sylvie’s Love. She is also known for her role as Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok and as Bianca in the Creed franchise.
Thompson founded her own production company Viva Maude in 2021, which has produced Hedda, the new adaptation of Hedda Gabler directed by Nia DaCosta, in which she plays the lead. Her fashion-forward style and elegance is the subject of much interest, and she is a muse to the American designer brand Rodarte.
In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Tessa Thompson discuss playing male roles, tidying up the house in a heel, and fashion not being armour.
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
42 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 28min
Fashion Neurosis with Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong, a celebrated Vietnamese-American poet and novelist, delves into the intersections of style, family, and writing. He highlights how thrifted fashion reflects his creative process and the personal symbolism behind his jewelry. Discussing the nuances between poetry and prose, he shares insights on artistic evolution and the importance of continual growth in style. Vuong also tackles profound topics like addiction, community fortitude, and the societal impact of the opioid crisis, all while connecting his lived experiences to his literary works.
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 7min
Fashion Neurosis with David Cronenberg
David Cronenberg, the visionary Canadian director behind iconic films like The Fly and Videodrome, dives into the intersection of fashion, body, and identity. He humorously prefers comfy sweats over formal attire, while recalling the fashion influences of the 1960s on his youth. Cronenberg explores the beauty in body horror, shares insights on adapting literature, and reflects on his complex relationship with nudity. His discussions reveal how humor and existential themes intertwine in his films, showcasing the intimate connections between the body and our perceptions of self.
Oct 1, 2025 • 50min
Fashion Neurosis with Zandra Rhodes
Dame Zandra Rhodes, a pioneer in British fashion known for her vibrant prints and signature pink hair, shares her fascinating journey from textile design to making her own clothes. She reflects on the influence of her mother and her friendship with Divine, the cult actor. Zandra also discusses her breakthrough moment with Diana Vreeland, her unique approach to beauty in design, and the importance of craftsmanship in fashion. With a heartfelt look at her Damehood and ongoing projects, Rhodes continues to inspire with her creative spirit.
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 6min
Fashion Neurosis with Kojey Radical
Kojey Radical, a British musician and visual artist known for his thought-provoking blend of spoken word and rap, shares insights into his creative journey. He discusses the empowering force of his mother's tough love and reflects on the cultural significance of personal style choices like grills. Humorously, he highlights the passive-aggressive nature of a fish finger sandwich. Kojey also dives into the meaning behind his new album, Don't Look Down, emphasizing adaptability as a superpower in an ever-changing landscape.
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 1min
Fashion Neurosis with Rachel Kushner
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.
Sep 10, 2025 • 57min
Fashion Neurosis with Amelia Dimoldenberg
Amelia Dimoldenberg is an English comedian, writer, and the creator and presenter of her sensational Youtube series Chicken Shop Date. Chicken Shop Date began as a column in a youth club magazine, originally focusing on Amelia interviewing British grime artists in chicken shops around London. It has since expanded to one of the most popular series on Youtube, with Amelia interviewing some of the world’s most high profile actors, models, and musicians. Known for her dry, deadpan humour, Dimoldenberg has in recent years begun interviewing celebrities on red carpets, including at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Brit Awards. Her production company Dimz Inc. recently launched Dimz Inc. Academy, a week-long programme for young people interested in working in the creative industries.
In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Amelia Dimoldenberg discuss The Devil Wears Prada, the appeal of an awkward silence, and how sexy is embarrassing.
Part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
