Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud

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.

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.

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.

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Malkovich, the acclaimed actor and director, shares fascinating insights into his eclectic career. He reminisces about his grandfather’s obsession with Lassie and unveils the inspiration behind his fashion brand, Mr Mudd. Malkovich also delves into the creative process of his film 'Being John Malkovich,' discussing the unique emotional connections formed in artistic collaborations. With humor and depth, he reflects on how personal style intertwines with emotion, making for a compelling conversation between creativity and identity.

Explore the emotional connections people have with their clothing, especially during tough times. Dive into personal insecurities around body image and the transformative power of fashion. Discover the joyful health benefits of cold water therapy and how it uplifts mood. Learn about the unique experiences of embodying male characters in performance art. Laugh along with quirky romantic encounters, emphasizing how personal traits influence relationships. Reflect on the complexities of identity through fashion choices and their emotional significance.

Nick Knight, a visionary image maker and founder of SHOWstudio.com, dives into his journey through fashion photography and art. He shares personal anecdotes about his fashion influences, exploring how cultural shifts shaped his identity. The conversation highlights the evolution of fashion films and the complex relationship between beauty and self-expression. Knight discusses the pressures of the fashion industry and the significance of compassion in representation. His reflections on collaboration and the transformative nature of art provide a fascinating insight into the creative process.

Sarah Joe AKA Mia Khalifa is a Lebanese-American media personality, activist, and entrepreneur, known for her charismatic presence online and her bold advocacy work. She first rose to public attention in 2014 aged 21 when she was involved for just 3 months in the adult film industry. She has since transformed her platform into a powerful voice for body autonomy, immigrant rights, and breaking stigma around personal reinvention. Born in Beirut and raised in the U.S., Mia Khalifa brings a unique perspective shaped by her Middle Eastern roots and Western upbringing. Mia has been vocal about reclaiming her narrative, using her experiences to speak out against exploitation, online harassment, and the complexities of fame. Today, she’s built a strong presence on social media where she engages millions with her unfiltered commentary, humour, and insight. Mia is a businesswoman herself, founding her jewellery brand Sheytan in 2023. Her story is one of resilience, transformation, and redefining success on her own terms.  In this episode of Fashion Neurosis Bella Freud and Mia Khalifa discuss curiosity versus desire, reading the dictionary at night, and how fashion can be a liberation from body shame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beth Ditto is an American singer and songwriter. She is best known for her hugely popular Indie rock band Gossip and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Her voice has been compared to that of Janis Joplin and Tina Turner. She is a much loved and respected figure in the fashion world, who has walked for Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier and appeared on the covers of numerous high fashion magazines including POP and LOVE.  In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Beth Ditto discuss how to cope with a compliment, being taught how to strike a pose by Kate Moss, and the authoritative wisdom of Rick Rubin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alessandro Michele, creative director of Valentino, is an Italian fashion designer. He is widely regarded as one of the most visionary and transformative figures in contemporary fashion. He came to prominence with his groundbreaking tenure as Creative Director of Gucci from 2015 to 2022, redefining the brand with his romantic, and gender-fluid aesthetic. Blending poetic historical references with radical reinvention, his designs both seduced and challenged conventional notions of beauty and luxury, making Gucci a symbol of artistic freedom and cultural commentary. Born in Rome in the 70's, he spent time at Fendi under Karl Lagerfeld and the Fendi sisters, and later at Gucci, where he worked for over a decade before taking the helm. Under his leadership, Gucci saw unprecedented creative and commercial success, sparking a new era of expressive, maximalist fashion. Beyond clothing, Alessandro Michele's impact extended into art, film, and social commentary, using fashion as a platform for self-expression and expanding horizons. His designs often explore identity, queerness, and beauty, earning him global acclaim as one of the most important designers of the 21st century. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis Bella Freud and Alessandro Michele discuss going to the same fashion school in Rome, the chic in making a wrong choice, and meeting the best people in the loos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices