Deborah Frances-White can do it all. She is a comedian, author, screenwriter and host of the excellent ‘Guilty Feminist’ podcast. 

Relatable and hilarious, Deborah’s podcast (downloaded no less than 75 million times) helped to normalise that it’s okay to not be the feminist ideal, and that we are all on a journey. Similar to creating a more sustainable relationship with fashion, it's the community you find and the things learned and shared along the way that really counts. 

We have been lucky enough to have witnessed Deborah’s style and generosity first hand when we helped find a #DressforDee (check out the full story here).

Nuw is soooo excited to be teaming up with Deborah once again, who will be gifting 3 items from her own wardrobe to swap on the app. A fabulous L K Bennett blue jacket and sequin Rixo wrap top from another time, and a brand new gorgeous Alexis dress that’s been dying for an outing.

Ahead of this exciting collaboration, we caught up with Deborah to get her thoughts on fashion, sustainability and the item most close to her heart. 

Who or what inspires you? 

The powerhouse women around me who continue to push on with positivity & passion in the face of patriarchy. All the Ps.

What have been some of the biggest things you have learned doing the Guilty Feminist podcast? 

I started the show to wallow in my own oppression. What I’ve learned most about is my own privilege. I’ve learned we have way more influence than we think & we can change the energy of any room or zoom we’re in.

What piece of clothing in your wardrobe is closest to your heart and why? 

I’ve got one Vivienne Westwood dress that’s been there on so many special occasions I couldn’t part with it. The woman can drape. I also have some pieces from my two favourite Australian designers that I go to every time I go back to Australia. They’re a mother & daughter - Carla Zampatti & Bianca Spender. Carla just died and was given a state funeral. That’s how loved she was.

Does fashion play a role in your work, and if so, how? 

Yes! What to wear at The Royal Albert Hall to make a big splash & fill the space??? It’s part of the performance. I wore a Roland Mouret dress (he’s apparently a fan of the show & came that night!) with a Despicable Daisy sequinned cloak made for me. And then in the second act a Carla Zampatti white trouser suit. For me fashion = the story we tell with the clothes we choose. I’m a storyteller so I’m interested in fashion. Look at the history of the women’s movement through the clothes & hairstyles chosen. What’s left on/covered up/allowed to be natural/taken as sexual empowerment etc etc.

What things do you do to make your wardrobe more sustainable? 

I ask myself a) who made it & b) how many times will I wear it? Figure out the cost per wear & my six year old Vivienne Westwood dress cost less than that H & M top I wore once that languished on the floor.

Look out for Deborah’s items landing on Nuw Monday 14th May!