Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud

Haider Ackermann is a Colombian-born French fashion designer. He is the Creative Director of Canada Goose and the newly appointed Creative Director of Tom Ford. Adopted as a nine month old child by French-Alsatian parents, Haider's family traveled widely with his map-maker father, living in Algeria, Ethiopia and Iran, and eventually settling in the Netherlands when he was twelve years old. This blend of cultures that shaped him can be seen in his work, contrasting and resourcing dress-codes which incorporate flowing draped fabrics with more formal cuts. Haider Ackermann is much revered by his peers in the design industry; among many prestigious collaborations, he was also a guest designer for the Jean Paul Gaultier couture. He is sought after for special, red carpet creations by major stars including Timothée Chalamet and Tilda Swinton.On the day of his highly awaited first runway show for Tom Ford, we share a special episode of Fashion Neurosis where Haider Ackermann and Bella Freud discuss friendships and flirtations within the fashion industry, the unexpected joys of camping, and the significance of his enduring friendship with Tilda Swinton.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gwendoline Christie is an English actor. She exploded into peoples' consciousness as Brienne of Tarth in the phenomenally successful series, Game of Thrones, going on to feature in Stars Wars: The Force Awakens, and Star Wars: The Last Jedi. She has appeared in other notable drama series, and most recently joined the cast of the hit show Severance, directed by Ben Stiller. As well as being a highly regarded performer, Gwendoline is adored by the fashion world, and has modelled in numerous fashion campaigns for some of the world's greatest designers. She has walked in catwalk shows for Thom Browne, Miu Miu, and most recently, John Galliano's last show for Maison Margiela. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Gwendoline Christie talks to Bella Freud about how the job of her clothes is to be more herself; the impact of Galliano's work on her as a teenager - and how she realized a childhood dream by going on to collaborate with him.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Juergen Teller is a fine art and fashion photographer from Germany. His distinctive and instantly recognizable style has redefined the scope of what is possible in high fashion imagery and advertising. He has shot multiple campaigns for Marc Jacobs, Vivienne Westwood, Celine and Yves Saint Laurent, bringing his mix of glamour and lack of artifice to a vast audience. Alongside his fashion work, he has shot portraits of his family, his friends and some of the most recognizable faces of our time, including Pope Francis. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Juergen Teller joins Bella Freud on the couch to discuss the ways his relationship with his parents informed his work, why not to be afraid of time, and how life appears clearer through the viewfinder of his camera.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Honey Dijon is an American DJ and producer, hailing from the South Side of Chicago. She is known for her compelling remixes of major artists, including Beyoncé and David Bowie and her DJ sets that light up dance floors the world over - infusing both House and Techno. Honey is also much loved by the fashion world, having collaborated on soundtracks for Louis Vuitton and Dior. Aside from her sonic capabilities, Honey is famed for her chic style and her razor-sharp wit. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Honey Dijon and Bella Freud discuss their mutual love of The Artist's Way, and Honey's early experiences in the underground club scene in New York. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cate Blanchett is an Australian actor and film producer. She is the recipient of numerous awards, including two Oscars. One of the great performers of our time, Cate has the ability to both dazzle with that specific film star radiance, and blend into a natural setting - whether its a blockbuster movie, or an independent production of film or theatre. She is possessively coveted by the fashion design houses who vye for her to represent them on the red carpet - another of her multifarious talents. Throughout her career she has spoken out for the dispossessed, and she is a Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Cate Blanchett share stories of how both their mothers hand-made their school uniforms - Cate's mother even made her underwear. They also discuss Cate's role as Bob Dylan, and how putting a sock down her trousers helped her to change her body language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Stefano Pilati is an Italian fashion designer. His talents have been employed and celebrated by some of the most distinguished fashion houses in the industry including Cerruti, Armani and Prada. He was the Creative Director at Yves Saint Laurent from 2004 until 2012 where he was responsible for some of the brand's most iconic designs and accessories including the Tribute sandal and the Muse bag - coveted by fashion obsessives the world over. Pilati's distinctive creative vision has long defied traditional gender stereotypes, with his menswear collections featuring both skirts and high heels. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Stefano Pilati discuss the intensity of his love of fashion which manifested from the age of six, and the importance of killer footwear.Portrait: Jacqueline Landvik Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Princess Julia is a DJ and writer who has been a dazzling staple on the London club scene since the late 1970’s. She was of the most recognisable faces of the Blitz Kids - a subculture defined by sharp dress, angular haircuts and pale complexions. Her distinctive style combined with her angelic beauty saw her become a muse to many; modelling in numerous fashion shoots and music videos over the years, including Visage’s iconic ‘Fade To Grey’. Today Princess Julia’s sense of personal style remains as bold as ever, with meticulously planned outfits for every occasion; whether attending a fashion show or taking a trip to the corner shop. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Princess Julia and Bella Freud discuss the influence of punk, living between binaries and their shared love of a pulsing beat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nick Cave, the renowned Australian musician and lead singer of The Bad Seeds, joins Bella Freud for an engaging discussion. They dive into the tension between chaos and creativity, with Cave sharing his thoughts on how structure enhances artistic flow. He reflects on the exhilaration of cold water swimming as a tool for emotional wellness. The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes about love, commitment, and the lasting influence of fashion in shaping identity, all wrapped in Cave's unique blend of introspection and humor.

Nicky Haslam, an acclaimed English interior designer and founder of Nicky Haslam Studio, shares his fascinating journey through fashion and society. He reminisces about dyeing his pubes and his audacious style choices at Eton, reflecting on how he invented the '60s alongside David Bailey. The conversation touches on his unforgettable encounters with icons like Marilyn Monroe and Mae West and delves into the connection between attraction and personal aesthetics. With humor and charm, Haslam illustrates his belief in the beauty of shared experiences and resilience.

Jonathan Anderson, a Northern Irish designer and founder of JW Anderson, shares insights on the intersection of beauty and imperfection. He discusses how personal experiences shape his creative process, revealing that his feelings of self-doubt fuel his quest for romance in fashion. Anderson also highlights the influence of art, specifically how painters like Francis Bacon inspire his work in film costume design. The conversation touches on the pressure of the fashion industry and the importance of authenticity in storytelling.