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
Jan 22, 2025 • 46min
Fashion Neurosis with Princess Julia
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
6 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 22min
Fashion Neurosis with Nick Cave
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.
Dec 18, 2024 • 57min
Fashion Neurosis with Nicky Haslam
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.
36 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 16min
Fashion Neurosis with Jonathan Anderson
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.
Dec 4, 2024 • 60min
Fashion Neurosis with Karl Ove Knausgaard
Karl Ove Knausgaard is a Norwegian author. His autobiographical novel ‘My Struggle,’ released in six volumes, was heralded as a masterpiece all over the world. It has a huge appeal to both intellectuals and young people examining the existential purpose of life. During this conversation Karl Ove and Bella talk about the power of fathers; shame; and choosing the wrong clothes but with the right idea. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 9min
Fashion Neurosis with Kristin Scott Thomas
Kristin Scott Thomas OBE is an English actress. Her career began with her first audition when she won the starring role in Prince’s directorial film debut ‘Under the Cherry Moon’, playing opposite him in the role of romantic lead. Kristin lived in France for a big part of her life. She speaks French fluently and has played the lead in many French independent films working with top directors. She remains possessively beloved by her British fans and has an ability to imbue the characters she portrays with an irreverence for convention and preoccupation with hilarious detail that strikes such a chord among her audience.In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella talks to Kristin Scott Thomas about the joys of non-fancy underwear (when are ‘establishment grey security pants’ acceptable); the allure of wanting to be a nun; and walking in the Miu Miu show for Mrs Prada. Join Kristin Scott Thomas and Bella Freud for a conversation about how clothes can shape a character, and the connection between what we wear and who we are. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 20, 2024 • 52min
Fashion Neurosis with Daphne Guinness
Daphne Guinness is an English singer songwriter, fashion designer, actress, film producer and muse to David LaChapelle. She is part of the aristocratic Guinness family, and she is known for her instantly recognisable style which includes a high, heel-less shoe and towering black and platinum hairstyle. Daphne has spent decades redefining what it means to be a true original, breaking away from her traditional background. From founding The Isabella Blow Foundation to releasing her latest album Sleep, her work and her performance transcends boundaries. Trained at the Slade School of Fine Art, Daphne went on to collaborate with fashion icons Alexander McQueen and Isabella Blow. They were so much more than work relationships, more like acquiring a new family. For someone who would seem like an exhibitionist on first sight, Daphne is a shy person who pushes against her natural inclination to be hidden. She talks about her inspirations, how music has saved her life, and how she weaves fashion into every aspect of her existence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
36 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 47min
Fashion Neurosis with Kate Moss
In a captivating conversation, iconic English model Kate Moss shares her journey from being scouted at 15 to becoming a global fashion icon. She discusses the profound impact of fashion on body image and self-acceptance, revealing emotional struggles tied to public perception. Kate reminisces about transformative fashion shows and the camaraderie among models in the industry. She also touches on evolving styles, the allure of classic pieces, and the pressures surrounding personal styling, all while emphasizing the importance of community and self-love.
6 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 53min
Fashion Neurosis with Zadie Smith
Zadie Smith, a celebrated British novelist and essayist known for her captivating storytelling, dives into the intricate relationship between fashion and identity. She shares personal anecdotes, reflecting on the societal pressures of aging and the transition between seasons. The conversation explores the power of clothing to express mood and self-identity, while also addressing beauty standards and the evolution of personal style. Smith's insights on how fashion shapes confidence in social spaces offers a thought-provoking take on femininity and self-acceptance.
4 snips
Oct 30, 2024 • 37min
Fashion Neurosis with Kim Gordon
Kim Gordon, co-founder of Sonic Youth and visual artist, shares her insights on fashion and personal expression. She discusses how clothing evolves with identity, contrasting styles in Los Angeles and London. Gordon opens up about anxiety's role in shopping as an escape, and the influence of her family's style. The conversation delves into the connection between music and fashion creativity, as well as how fashion impacts attraction and self-perception. With a blend of personal anecdotes, she captivates listeners with her unique perspective.
