Fashion Neurosis with Bella Freud: In-Depth Conversation with Gwendoline Christie Episode Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction: Meeting Gwendoline Christie

At the outset of this episode of Fashion Neurosis, Bella Freud welcomes Gwendoline Christie, the acclaimed actor best known for her portrayal of Brienne of Tarth in Game of Thrones. The conversation swiftly moves beyond casual introductions, delving into Gwendoline's personal style and the profound connection between her clothing choices and her identity.

Fashion as a Reflection of Identity

Gwendoline Christie opens up about her current ensemble: “Today I am wearing Maison Margiela. Jacket, shirt, trousers, and a pair of Prada shoes. They were a gift to me from Prada... I find increasingly, actually, I only really want to wear clothes by my friends, by people." (01:26)

Bella Freud echoes this sentiment, highlighting the protective and transformative power of clothing: “I think the power of clothes is being transformed from being self-conscious to liberated... you're more agile and more deft, and it's more fun, really.” (03:11)

Gwendoline elaborates on how clothing serves as an unconscious tool for shaping her persona and social interactions: “They're speaking for you. It's an unconscious tool of shaping not just our persona, but exactly how we relate to each other.” (03:45)

Embodiment of Brienne of Tarth

Gwendoline shares her deep connection with her iconic role: “Brienne of Tarth was one of the greatest gifts of my life... I felt so protective of the character because so many experiences were so familiar and it was so niche.” (04:36)

She discusses the extensive preparation required for the role, including physical transformations and the emotional vulnerability involved: “The most difficult thing was to cut my hair... I could hide a lot of shoulder width and height... But taking away the hair, I was completely exposed.” (09:58)

Bella comments on the significance of Gwendoline's hairstyle change, noting its heroic and tender qualities: “There's something very endearing about the hair... it's kind of heroic.” (11:31)

Childhood Influences and Early Fashion Memories

Gwendoline reminisces about her early love for shoes: “I had a pair of white patent leather tap shoes... They were magical, and I outgrew them. The grief of losing those shoes. I felt invincible in those beautiful shoes.” (13:26)

She contrasts her childhood favorites with her current preferences, highlighting a lasting passion for structured footwear: “One of my favorite pairs of shoes is this pair of Chanel shoes... They're white patent leather, and they are my favorite shoes.” (14:37)

The Intersection of Masculine and Feminine Styles

The conversation shifts to Gwendoline's admiration for men's fashion. She expresses a profound appreciation for suits as architectural masterpieces: “I love suits. I really do. It's their extraordinary pieces of architecture, aren't they?” (26:05)

Gwendoline discusses the balance between masculine and feminine styles in her wardrobe, touching upon androgyny and personal identity: “Sometimes I think I want to be the man today. And sometimes I think I want to be the woman.” (26:38)

Bella relates to the internal dialogue around attire and its impact on personal poise and self-perception: “It's sort of like a... where is that internal rod? How's it going to position you?” (16:57)

Fashion in Acting and Character Development

Delving into her role in Severance, Gwendoline discusses the meticulous process of character costuming: “The costuming on that show is really excellent... I wanted to inhabit a different character and a different space. And I want it to be very precise and very specific and very defined.” (55:48)

She highlights the influence of designers like John Galliano and Martin Margiela in shaping her approach to fashion and character embodiment: “John Galliano's work has been incredibly important to me through my life... It was how I wanted to live. It was an inhale of history, literature, fantasy, cinema.” (40:09)

Gwendoline elaborates on the symbolic significance of integrating elements like goats into her costume for Severance, symbolizing mystery and intelligence: “Goats are very interesting, aren't they? They open up a lot to us because... they have this innate intelligence.” (62:38)

Humor, Laughter, and Personal Expression

The discussion takes a lighter turn as Bella inquires about Gwendoline's distinctive laugh: “Gwendoline, you had the most wonderful laugh. When did that start?” (53:05)

Gwendoline reflects on the origins of her laugh, linking it to her early days in drama school and the joy found in shared moments: “I remember when I was at drama school... I couldn't have hoped for anything better.” (53:18)

Embracing Creativity and Subversion in Fashion

Gwendoline passionately discusses her admiration for creative directors like John Galliano and the importance of subverting traditional proportions in fashion: “John Galliano's work... Subverting my form in a way in which no one else ever had, and recognizing in me the broken doll. And I felt that he told the world that he thought that was beautiful.” (47:29, 51:23)

She emphasizes the role of fashion in personal transformation and the celebration of individuality: “Clothes give me the possibility... It makes me truly very happy.” (31:36)

Conclusion: The Transformative Power of Fashion

As the episode draws to a close, Bella and Gwendoline reflect on the profound impact of fashion on personal identity and empowerment. Gwendoline encapsulates this sentiment by stating: “Fashion has that power to give you courage to be the person you kind of have an inkling you're capable of being.” (53:01)

Bella acknowledges the unique ability of fashion to balance goodwill and personal aura: “It's just so uplifting and so much fun.” (55:05)

The heartfelt exchange underscores the episode's central theme: fashion as a powerful medium for self-expression, transformation, and connection.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Gwendoline Christie: “Clothes are speaking for you. It's an unconscious tool of shaping not just our persona, but exactly how we relate to each other.” (03:45)

• Bella Freud: “I think the power of clothes is being transformed from being self-conscious to liberated.” (03:11)

• Gwendoline Christie: “Brienne of Tarth was one of the greatest gifts of my life.” (04:36)

• Gwendoline Christie: “I love suits. I really do. It's their extraordinary pieces of architecture, aren't they?” (26:05)

• Gwendoline Christie: “Fashion has that power to give you courage to be the person you kind of have an inkling you're capable of being.” (53:01)

Note: Advertisements for Carvana (00:00 - 00:58) and BetterHelp (35:19 - 36:21) were omitted from this summary to focus on the substantive content of the episode.