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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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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