Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud

Alessandro Michele 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 Blending poetic historical references with radical reinvention, his designs both seduced and challenged conventional notions of beauty and luxury, making Gucci a symbol of artistic freedom and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.

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Lorde is a New Zealand singer and songwriter. She is a Grammy-winning artist and cultural force, known for her genre-defying sound, introspective lyricism, and striking creative vision. She gained recognition at the age of 16 with her breakthrough album Pure Heroine and the hugely successful single 'Royals'. She has redefined the contours of modern pop - merging poetic storytelling with minimalist, emotionally resonant production. To date, she has amassed over 18 billion global streams and 18 million album sales worldwide. She is a thoughtful and impressive presence in the world of music, experimenting with all aspects of identity and creativity including what she wears - and why. 

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis Bella Freud and Lorde discuss the purity of David Byrne, the guises of feeling feminine or masculine, a wearing matching Saint Laurent with Charli XCX.

TW: This content may contain themes or material that some viewers may find sensitive.

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Haim is an American rock band made up of three sisters: Este, Danielle, and Alana Haim. Hailing from Los Angeles, the siblings grew up in a musical household, playing in a family band before forming HAIM in 2007. Their unique sound blends elements of classic rock, R&B, folk, and '90s pop, creating a genre-defying style that feels exciting, nostalgic and modern.

The band gained major attention with their 2013 debut album Days Are Gone, and their album ‘Women in Music Pt. III’ (2020) was nominated for Album of the Year Grammy and compounded their status as one of the most innovative acts in contemporary music. 

Known for their dynamic live performances and sibling chemistry, Haim has become a powerful presence in both indie and mainstream music scenes. They’ve collaborated with artists Taylor Swift, Kid Cudi, and Charli XCX. They have collaborated on 10 of their music videos with the legendary film director Paul Thomas Anderson; Alana Haim has also performed leading roles in two of his films. Their new album ‘I Quit’ launches on June 20th 2025.

In this episode, Bella Freud and Haim discuss being obsessed with Phoebe Philo, the roles of sisterhood, and making music videos with Paul Thomas Anderson.

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Courtney Love is an American singer, songwriter and actress, who rose to prominence as the lead singer of Hole, which she formed in 1989. Her life has been subject of intense media scrutiny, particularly her marriage to Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain from whom she has a daughter Frances Bean, and her candid battles with addiction and personal loss. Among her distinguished acting roles, she was nominated for a Golden Globe for her exceptionally brilliant performance in Milos Foreman's 'The People VS Larry Flynt. Courtney Love has continued her creative trajectory, challenging industry norms and championing female empowerment in rock. With decades of artistic influence and an enduring legacy of rebellion and resilience, she remains one of the most provocative, talented and influential women in modern music.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Courtney Love discuss pole dancing, freedom from addiction, and being asked to change the music by next door neighbour David Bowie.

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Rachel Jones is a multidisciplinary artist working with painting, installation, sound and performance. Jones explores a sense of self as a visual and visceral experience, using motifs and abstraction to grapple with the intangible emotional and psychological truths of being. Jones completed her BA Fine Art at Glasgow School of Art in 2013 and an MA Fine Art at the Royal Academy Schools, London, in 2019. Recent solo exhibitions include the Museum of African Diaspora, San Francisco, (2024), the Long Museum, Shanghai, China (2023) and the Chisenhale Gallery, London (2022). She was included in Mixing It Up: Painting Today at the Hayward Gallery, London (2021), followed by other institutional group exhibitions at the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C., Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, Arizona (2022) and others. She was an artist in residence at The Chinati Foundation, Marfa, Texas in 2019 and the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in 2016. Jones’s work is housed in prominent institutional collections, including those of the Long Museum, Shanghai; Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam; Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; The Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; and Tate, London, where her piece 'lick your teeth, they so clutch' (2021) is currently on display as part of the Tate Britain's rehang. Alongside her painting and performance practice, Jones also designed the BRIT Awards 2024 trophy, which was presented to all winners. In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Rachel Jones discuss Karaoke in art, the allure and threat of the colour red, and appearing in a Loewe campaign shot by Juergen Teller.

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Alex Consani is an American model. She is also a social media star - performing brilliant and hilarious skits on tiktok, garnering her millions of followers and fans. A fearless advocate for trans visibility, Alex Consani is redefining beauty standards and electrifying the fashion industry. She burst onto the scene at just 12 years old and has since established herself as one of the top models in the world. She has walked for global fashion powerhouses including Tom Ford, Versace, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, and many others. In 2024, she made history as the first openly transgender woman to win the British Fashion Council’s Model of the Year award.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Alex Consani discuss being Trans in the fashion industry, what makes for an obsession, and great British slang.

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Graydon Carter is a celebrated Canadian journalist, editor, and cultural commentator best known for his 25 years as the Editor of Vanity Fair. Born in Toronto, Graydon Carter began his career in journalism in Canada where he co-founded Spy magazine in 1986. The satirical monthly became famous for its sharp, irreverent take on media, politics, and celebrity culture, establishing him as a critical voice in American media. In 1992, Graydon Carter became the editor at Vanity Fair, transforming the magazine into a powerhouse of long-form journalism, celebrity profiles, and cultural commentary. Under his leadership Vanity Fair became known for its investigative reporting - breaking a number of key political scandals; also the much anticipated photographic spreads and covers featuring Hollywood stars, shot by the legendary photographer Annie Liebovitz. Graydon Carter stepped down from Vanity Fair in 2017, founding Air Mail, a digital weekly aimed at worldly readers interested in culture, politics, and style. With his signature wit and curatorial flair, he has published his memoir 'When The Going Was Good' with author James Fox.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Graydon Carter discuss the joys of ironing, creating desirable trinkets for people to 'take home' from the Vanity Fair party, and whether it was Aerosmith's Steve Tyler, or Kate Moss who actually said 'nothing tastes like skinny feels.'

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Bethann Hardison is a pioneering force in fashion and activism in a career spanning over five decades. Emerging from Brooklyn in the late 1960s, she became one of the first Black models to gain prominence in both New York and European fashion scenes. Her runway appearances for designers Willi Smith, Calvin Klein, and Oscar de la Renta were groundbreaking, culminating in her legendary performance in the 1973 'Battle of Versailles' fashion show - an event which showcased five french and five American designers. Transitioning from modeling, Hardison founded Bethann Management in 1984, one of the first Black-owned agencies, where she mentored trailblazers Tyson Beckford, Nick Kamen, and Iman. In 1988, she co-founded the Black Girls Coalition with Iman, advocating for equitable representation and pay for models of colour. Hardison's activism continued with the launch of the Diversity Coalition in 2013, prompting global fashion houses to confront racial disparities. In 2019, she joined Gucci as Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement. Hardison remains a revered mentor and advocate, co-directing the documentary Invisible Beauty, which reflects on her legacy and ongoing impact on the fashion industry.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Bethann Hardison discuss her first shoots with Bruce Weber, forming the Black Girls Coalition with Iman, and how she approached Brides Magazine about including Black, Asian and Latino women in their campaigns.

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Sam McKnight is one of the most celebrated hairstylists in the world. His career has spanned more than 40 years at the forefront of cutting edge fashion, beauty, and pop culture. Known for his creative vision, Sam McKnight has collaborated with top designers including Chanel, Fendi, Vivienne Westwood, and Balmain, and worked with all the legendary models and photographers including Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, and Mario Testino. He has more Vogue covers than Kate Moss (200 globally) and he is a key force behind countless runway shows and advertising campaigns. He was famously the stylist behind Princess Diana’s iconic short hairstyle—an enduring image of elegance and modernity. In 2016, his exhibition Hair by Sam McKnight at Somerset House in London offered a rare look at the role of hair in fashion and culture. That same creative spirit lives on in his bestselling haircare line, Hair by Sam McKnight, designed to bring editorial styling to everyday routines. With a blend of artistry, innovation, and wit, Sam McKnight continues to influence the fashion industry while inspiring a new generation of creatives to think beyond trends and embrace the power of personal style.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Sam McKnight discuss Lady Gaga's wigs, how a haircut can make homelessness more bearable, and the moment Princess Diana asked him to cut all her hair off - and how it changed her life.

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Marina Abramović is one of the most influential and groundbreaking performance artists of our time. Born in Belgrade, Serbia, she has spent over five decades pushing the limits of the mind, body, and spirit through art. Known for her extreme and often controversial performances, Abramović uses endurance, pain, vulnerability, and direct audience interaction to explore themes of identity. During her most celebrated artistic performance 'The Artist Is Present' at the Museum of Modern Art in 2010, she sat silently across from museum visitors for over 700 hours, creating powerful, wordless connections with almost a million strangers. Marina Abramović has also worked extensively to preserve and teach performance art, founding the Marina Abramović Institute, which focuses on long-durational performance and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her legacy continues to influence artists, thinkers, and audiences worldwide. 

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Marina Abramović discuss how happiness is not conducive to making great art; climaxing as a required element of a performance; and how 80 is too young for her to make a documentary about her life.

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Es Devlin is a British artist and stage designer celebrated for creating large-scale, emotionally resonant installations and performances that fuse light, music, language, and space. Her work has shaped the visual identity of global tours for artists including Beyoncé, Adele, The Weeknd and U2, while also redefining the theatrical landscape through her work with the Royal Opera House, National Theatre, and the Metropolitan Opera. Es Devlin brings a poetic sensibility to her immersive environments. Her public art installations—such as Forest for Change at Somerset House and Poem Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai—invite audiences to reflect, explore, and engage with urgent global themes. In October 2024 she unveiled CONGREGATION, a large-scale choral installation created in partnership with UK for UNHCR, The Courtauld and King's College London.  Es Devlin’s designs have been exhibited at major institutions including the V&A, the Serpentine Gallery, and the Venice Biennale. She is a Royal Academician, the recipient of numerous awards, and was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to stage design. 

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Es Devlin discuss the logistics of raising a steel orb out of the sand in the Moroccan desert for the St Laurent menswear show; seeking out jumble sales in Time Out magazine when she was 11; and making a collage for her bedroom from a catalogue of Japanese art that turned out to be full of pornographic illustrations.

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Hanif Kureishi is a British author, playwright, and screenwriter, widely regarded for his exploration of identity, race, and multiculturalism. Born in 1954 in South London, to a Pakistani father and an English mother, his major breakthrough came with his 1990 novel The Buddha of Suburbia, a semi-autobiographical story of a young man navigating life in 1970s London. The novel, celebrated for its wit and social critique, was later adapted into a BAFTA-winning TV series with a soundtrack especially written by David Bowie. In addition to his novels, Kureishi has written plays, essays, and short stories, and a number of award winning films including Intimacy directed by Patrice Chéreau, and the Oscar nominated screenplay, My Beautiful Laundrette, directed by Stephen Frears and starring a young Daniel Day Lewis. Kureishi’s work often reflects his candid approach to cultural integration, sexuality and societal norms, all of which have made him a distinctive and relished voice in British literature. 

On 26 December 2022, while staying at the home of his partner Isabella D'Amico, Hanif fainted and woke up paralysed from the neck downwards. He thought he was going to die, crediting Isabella for keeping him calm and saving his life. He has written about the accident and his recovery process on social media and in his Substack blog 'The Kureishi Chronicles'. His brilliant and compelling memoir Shattered was published in 2024, and in September that year the BBC released a biographical documentary 'In My Own Words' directed by Nigel Williams. 

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Hanif Kureishi discuss Hanif's love of Tesco; developing a new method of writing with his son Carlo; and analysing his psychiatrist's dreams during his year long rehabilitation in hospital.

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Susie Cave is a British model and fashion designer. Her career started when she was scouted on holiday in New York by the famous model agent Bethann Hardison, who immediately sent her to Steven Meisel - his advice being to go back to school as she was only 14 years old. Her striking beauty and ethereal presence quickly earned her a place in high fashion campaigns and on magazine covers including more recently a Gucci perfume campaign and the cover of Another Magazine in 2020. In 2015 Susie launched her fashion brand The Vampire's Wife which became known for its blend of gothic and romantic aesthetics. Vogue described her immediately recognisable dress as the 'It dress'  and The Vampire's Wife quickly gained a devoted following, attracting celebrities from Florence Welch, Cate Blanchett, and Kate, Princess of Wales among its clientele. Susie’s designs are a reflection of her own personal style—romantic, mysterious, and deeply artistic—cementing her as a distinctive voice in the fashion industry. She is married to Nick Cave, the lead singer of The Bad Seeds.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Susie Cave and Bella Freud discuss how she was talent scouted by the legendary Bethann Hardison and her meeting with Steven Meisel age 14; the first time she saw her husband-to-be Nick Cave at one of Bella’s shows; and how grief can be channelled through creativity.

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Bobby Gillespie is a Scottish musician, singer songwriter, and the lead vocalist in Primal Scream. He launched the band in 1982, at the same time as joining The Jesus and Mary Chain as their drummer, touring with both groups until he left a few years later to focus on the burgeoning success of Primal Scream. Bobby has the looks, talent and glamour of the archetypal rockstar - he wears his clothes with infinite style, and his onstage looks are part of his musical identity. He is married to the highly regarded stylist, Katy England, and is a regular in fashion circles - Primal Scream even recorded a song with supermodel, Kate Moss in 2011, called, 'Some Velvet Morning'. Bobby Gillespie published his memoir 'Tenement Kid' in 2021, describing his life growing up in a working class family in Glasgow, tracking his journey to fame, including his experiences of drug addiction - and how he overcame it.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud and Bobby Gillespie talk about their shared gratitude for the Punk era, how a pink jacket provided focus after falling off the stage in Italy and breaking his back, and the influence of Nick Cave and Warren Ellis on his road to sobriety.

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Christian Louboutin is a French shoe designer. His signature red sole has become synonymous with glamour and sensuality, referenced constantly in popular culture by international superstars including Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez and Cardi B as the shoes women aspire to own. Christian Louboutin was born and raised in Paris, with his parents and three older sisters. In 2014 he discovered that his biological father was of Egyptian heritage - the result of a clandestine love affair between his mother and a young Egyptian man. This revelation recontextualized many of his formative experiences growing up, wondering why he appeared different to his blonde, fair-haired siblings.

Today, Christian Louboutin is considered to be the most famous high fashion shoe brand in the world. The word 'Loutoutin' has become an adjective - immediately denoting a classification of intense sexuality and classiness. The company has successfully branched out into men's luxury footwear, handbags, fragrances, and makeup. Christian remains at the helm of the business and its entire design process - a rarity in the fashion industry and for an empire of his size.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Christian Louboutin and Bella Freud discuss the story behind his iconic red soles; the meaningfulness of his creative collaboration with David Lynch; and his ability to wake up happy.

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John Cooper Clarke is a British poet. He rose to fame during the Punk era, touring and performing with bands across the UK in the 70's. He has collaborated with some of the most revered artists of our time including the renowned Reggae poet and musician Linton Kwesi Johnson. His distinctive appearance has remained unchanged since he first exploded on the literary scene: long, jet black hair, a newsboy cap, and black sunglasses worn at all times -  paired with impeccable, skinny tailoring. John Cooper Clarke has transcended many hurdles in his life including heroin addiction, which he describes in his fascinating and upbeat memoir, ‘I Wanna Be Yours’.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, John Cooper Clarke and Bella Freud discuss their shared early influences from comic books; his relationship with the timeless fashion muse Nico; and why he still refers to James Brown for inspiration on how to look good.  

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Julianne Moore is an American actor. She is one of the most highly revered performers of her generation, and her work has been recognized by multiple awards, including an Oscar. Her extraordinary gift for peeling back the artifice, portraying the unraveling of a beautiful, misunderstood woman is unparalleled - making her beloved by both independent directors and big studios in the film industry. Julianne is also the author of the children’s book, ‘Freckleface Strawberry’ about her experiences of establishing her identity as a young girl, eventually learning to love her pale complexion and red hair - for which she is so recognized and appreciated today.

In this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Julianne Moore and Bella Freud discuss her being the chosen one for Tom Ford's film directorial debut; the delicate art of falling apart; and opening her dressing room door to come face to face with David Bowie.

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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