Conversations

Bella Freud

These days, her iconic surname is the least interesting thing about Bella. A chic new collab with Marks & Spencer (cult knits included), plus a style-centric podcast, find her becoming the most famous Freud of all. Presenting her current checklist of cool…

Image: Lynette Garland

The one thing you’re watching…

I am obsessively watching Slow Horses. I actually hate suspense – I have way too much of it in real life – but I relish this.

The one thing you’re looking forward to…

I have just launched my new podcast, Fashion Neurosis. The first episode features Rick Owens lying on the couch while I ask leading questions about style, childhood influences, and what is attractive and why. I have been working on this idea for some time, and to see it come to life is exhilarating.

The one thing in your handbag…

My handbag holds all my guilty pleasures: Anadin Extra and Golden Virginia tobacco with liquorice Rizlas and menthol filters.

The one place you’re longing to visit…

I'd love to go to Hawaii. I don't like travelling much, but Hawaii sounds like a place that makes you feel good.

The one thing that grounds you…

Telephone calls with my closest friends. I can easily grow anxious and gloomy, but those calls are so restoring – even when I don't mention anything about my mood.

The one thing in your fridge…

Oh dear. Not much. Marmalade perhaps.

The one beauty product…

LYMA Skincare’s Serum and Cream are utterly amazing and I use them day and night, along with the LYMA laser, which improves everything.

The one song that evokes nostalgia…

‘I Don't Know How To Love You’ from Jesus Christ Superstar by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. I saw the musical when I was 12 and loved it so much. My sister Esther and I used to sing a variation of this song to each other called ‘I Don't Know How to Hate You’. We still do sometimes. It's a very affectionate parody that reminds me of all the strange experiences we went through as children and how being close helped us to navigate life.

The one person you admire…

My best friend Karma Nabulsi, who is Emeritus Fellow in Politics and International Relations at Oxford University. She embodies all the qualities I value: intelligence, rigorousness, beauty and the never-ending quest for fairness and equality in how people treat each other. She is my North Star.