The Victoria Line, authored by Hamish Bowles, was first featured in the April 2012 edition of Vogue.
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“Have you ever encountered a crèche before?” Victoria Beckham playfully inquires as she welcomes me into her London studio just before Christmas. “Our meetings are quite productive,” she adds, “so having a baby around makes things more enjoyable.”
She balances her five-month-old daughter, Harper Seven Beckham, on one hip, though it’s clear it’s not much of a balance; Victoria has rigorously regained her form after the arrival of her fourth child, thanks to a demanding workout routine with fitness expert Tracy Anderson—a connection she credits to Gwyneth Paltrow. “I was working out constantly,” Victoria shares. “I was running consistently, six times a week. I tend to become rather obsessive once I commit to something,” a statement that will reveal itself to be an understatement during my upcoming weeks exploring Beckham World across London, Los Angeles, and New York.
Victoria’s elegant silhouette is accentuated by one of her own designs, a signature pencil-skirted sheath she affectionately calls “the sucky-sucky dress” due to its snug fit—an iconic style that made its debut in her fashion line eight seasons prior during intimate presentations at the Waldorf-Astoria, featuring three models and an extravagant floral display sourced from the hotel’s florist in the early hours. “I remember noting the expense of those flowers,” she recalls. “I’ve always approached my brand like a new, young venture, carefully mindful of budgets.” Seated on a delicate Louis sofa during that initial showing—her posture deliberately straight and one Louboutin-clad foot daintily tucked behind the other, reminiscent of an exemplary 1950s student—Victoria detailed the philosophy behind each dress in her considered and articulate manner, even unzipping a few to showcase the body-shaping corsetry within. “For three days, I just spoke and spoke and spoke,” she recalls.
This display alone was worth the admission price; however, the fashion industry was initially skeptical of brand Beckham’s new venture. Those raised Botoxed brows soon transformed into expressions of awe as Victoria revealed a remarkably chic and cohesive collection. “I aimed for clothing that was flattering, timeless, and high-quality,” she asserts. “As Marc Jacobs advised me, ‘If you present the best quality, people might say it’s not their taste, but they won’t label it as trash.’”
On the first day of the presentation, members of the fashion press attended, sitting politely as they absorbed her designs without comment. “Nobody communicated their thoughts to me,” Victoria recalls. “Then the retailers arrived—who are very different from the press; they share their honest opinions. They were not only supportive but genuinely impressed.”
Neiman Marcus’s fashion director, Ken Downing, remembers, “I was in awe. The garments were just as exquisite internally as they were externally. She understands how clothing ought to feel.”
Slowly, Victoria distanced herself from the rigid aesthetic of her initial collections. “Initially, I sought garments that people would directly associate with me,” she reflects. “I might have been overly self-conscious back then; I feared wearing anything other than super-tight attire. In those early days, I donned considerable corsetry, a reflection of my own insecurities. By the third or fourth season, I began researching what I didn’t appreciate and began challenging myself. With newfound confidence, I’ve reached a stage where I feel creatively fulfilled. It doesn’t always need to be fitted. Exploring volume and draping away from the body brings me joy.” Her new Victoria line facilitates further exploration. “It’s more relaxed and easygoing,” she elaborates. “It represents the other half of my wardrobe.”
Like many female designers, Victoria’s approach to her work is deeply personal. “I’ve always had to maximize my resources,” she explains. “I’m not a tall, slender model [standing at five feet four], thus I seek to create visual illusions. People often assume I’m taller—not merely because of my shoes but due to how I style myself. My wardrobe maintains a streamlined aesthetic.”
When she established her brand, “I wanted pieces—whether jeans or evening wear—that I personally would wear. It’s the ultimate test: Would I wear it? If yes, I introduce it; if not, it stays on the shelf.” Her “sucky-sucky” dress exemplifies this vision as it accentuates curves beautifully: “It creates a waist, enhances the bust and flatters the rear,” says Victoria, whose sleek collections—if sometimes verging on infomercial-style delivery—contrast with other designers’ more conceptual presentations. “We dedicate considerable time to perfecting our fit,” she continues. “We painstakingly discuss details like shoulder seams. My goal is to create the most flawless dress possible!”
Victoria’s methodology is refreshingly pragmatic. “When a season succeeds,” she states, “my first thought is, fantastic, that means I can proceed to the next one. I’m quite pragmatic. I’m creative, but it’s imperative that women wish to acquire the dresses.”
During fittings (on the day I visit, focused on fashion, footwear, and handbags), Victoria exhibits a hawk-like attention to detail. “I gather input and carefully weigh it. I process everything and arrive at the final call,” she indicates. “I must believe in it myself; otherwise, how can I expect others to?” She often adds humor to her observations. While assessing the placement of straps on some unfitted ankle boots designed by Christian Louboutin for her upcoming runway show, she muses, “I find just two straps to be more sophisticated. Three seem reminiscent of Puss in Boots or even Mary Poppins. And if they add a cuff, it should feature at the top—else they risk creating the illusion of cankles!”
Despite the Beckhams’ expansive neo-Georgian estate two hours north in Hertfordshire (jokingly dubbed Beckingham Palace by the British media), Victoria and Harper opted for the comforts of the Savoy. “Spending hours commuting is unproductive,” Victoria states. “Four hours a day is too much when I could be accomplishing other tasks!”
Encouraged to pursue fashion by Simon Fuller—the renowned producer behind American Idol—Victoria’s connection to Fuller dates back to his transformation of the Spice Girls into an iconic pop group during the 1990s, with him overseeing the unstoppable Victoria and David Beckham duo since 2003. (Recently, David initiated his own venture with a signature underwear line partnering with H&M.) Victoria’s bustling design studio and sample rooms reside within Fuller’s headquarters in Battersea, London.
Fuller’s initial foray into fashion was in collaboration with Roland Mouret, a celebrated designer based in London. Mouret aided Victoria in assembling a capable team to realize her aspirations and designs. Victoria’s early collections resonate with Mouret’s curvaceous silhouettes, reminiscent of mid-century femininity.
Her London team makes monthly trips to Los Angeles, while she communicates with them via Skype during their absence. The Los Angeles office features expansive windows that offer stunning views of the HOLLYWOOD sign. “The light is fantastic—a great environment for selecting colors,” she remarks. “Meanwhile, my Battersea team is bundled in sweaters and freezing! Yet more often than not, I’m Skyping in my pajamas from home. One perk of living in L.A. is working early in the morning or late at night; once the folks in England and New York retire for the evening, I have some quiet time. David and I ensure our schedules center around the children, balancing our busy work lives.”
While fitting her fall-winter 2011 collection, Victoria was pregnant with Harper, and those shape shifts inspired her to create flowing, Balenciaga-style silhouettes. Last summer, when the Beckhams received an invite to Prince William and Catherine Middleton’s wedding, “we were thrilled initially,” Victoria recounts, “then panic hit. How do you dress for the most significant wedding ever while heavily pregnant?” (Victoria ultimately wore Look #2 from her fall-winter collection, adapted in a deep blue and paired with a Philip Treacy pillbox hat and high heels by Louboutin.)
Victoria, of course, represents half of another globally recognized British couple. In 1997, while Victoria “Posh” Adams and her Spice Girls peers reached phenomenal heights of fame with their girl-power anthem and catchy tracks like “Wannabe” and “Spice Up Your Life,” she crossed paths with David Beckham, who was still establishing himself as a footballer known for his remarkable goal-scoring skills. “It was love at first sight,” Victoria has shared, although she admitted, “I didn’t know much about him—I was never into football.”
They wed in 1999. As Victoria’s musical career faded (with the Spice Girls disbanding in 2001 and her solo endeavors lacking impact), David rose to tabloid renown, his star only rising. “I never aspired to be the best at singing or dancing,” she states. (During the extravagantly campy 2008 Spice Girls reunion tour, I noted Victoria’s solo performance involved striking runway poses rather than singing.) “I applied myself diligently, but it took time for me to declare, ‘I’m not bad at this.’ And now, I feel I’ve found that with my current work.”
In 2011, Victoria was nominated for the British Fashion Council’s Designer Brand award, alongside fellow nominees Tom Ford, Stella McCartney, and Burberry. “When they announced my name, I genuinely felt as if my heart would burst,” she recalls, expressing that this honor eclipsed any music accolades. “Though I cherish my past experiences, I truly adore what I’m doing now. I didn’t intend on delivering an emotional speech before the entire British fashion community, but I was overwhelmed—I shed tears three times.”
Marc Jacobs traveled from Paris to present her with the award. Jacobs had previously cast Victoria in his memorable 2008 Juergen Teller ad campaign, depicting her in one shot nestled inside a Jacobs paper bag, revealing just her legs adorned with Jacobs shoes. As reported by The New York Times, Teller remarked, “Fashion has become heavily about products—bags and shoes—and you, in essence, are a product, aren’t you?”
“Buckle up!” instructs Victoria Beckham as I settle into the passenger seat of her sleek black Range Rover. “Because driving isn’t my strong suit!”
The New Year has arrived, and I find myself in Los Angeles, immersing in aspects of Victoria’s life there. Prior to Christmas, Victoria had been uncertain if her family would relocate to Paris, where David was courted by Paris Saint-Germain soccer team, or remain in Los Angeles, a city she adores. “I’m definitely someone who views the glass as half-full rather than half-empty,” she asserts. “That attitude nurtures my affection for living in America.” By the New Year, the decision had been confirmed; the family would stay in Los Angeles. “It might have been delightful for David to play in Europe again—time is not on his side—but we concluded that our children come first; they are our top priority. Additionally, David’s mission to elevate soccer’s profile in America remains unfinished, and I couldn’t be prouder of him for that.”
David played a vital role in London’s successful bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics. Being invited by Lord Coe was humbling for him. “I feel ecstatic even discussing it,” he shares, recalling the moment the envelope revealing the winning city was opened in front of representatives from Paris and London. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences outside my career. It’s thrilling—especially having grown up in the East End. I hope to secure a position on the team, as three overage players are permitted.”
The Beckhams have dipped their toes into the glamour of Los Angeles, having enjoyed evenings of parlor games at Demi Moore’s home with guests like Penélope Cruz and Eva Longoria. Yet, Victoria’s closest companion is still her hairdresser, and their lives primarily focus on their children. “We haven’t enjoyed an adult movie in years,” David notes with a sigh. “Nothing rated above PG-13.” It seems they haven’t had a vacation in three years.
The boys’ schedules revolve around rigorous after-school sports (Tom Brady even offered them a crash course in American football), and Victoria wholeheartedly embodies the role of devoted soccer mom. “I’ve never missed an event aside from Fashion Week,” she proudly claims. “Someone once inquired of my son Cruz, ‘When’s your birthday?’ and he replied, ‘It’s after Fashion Week!’”
As a surprise for Romeo’s birthday, the family arranged for him to hang out in Justin Bieber’s studio during the recording of his Christmas album. Bieber kindly sent signed guitars to the boys afterward, although Romeo’s ended up one inscribed to “Pax” (Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s son). “So we possess a piece of Jolie-Pitt memorabilia!” Victoria laughs, reflecting the peculiarities of the celebrity lifestyle.
In the midst of our conversation, her phone rings, and David Beckham comes on speakerphone—a spontaneous interruption that catches Victoria off guard. “Don’t say anything silly—we’re in the car with VOGUE!” she instructs, though David remains genuinely sweet and respectful.
Victoria has organized a girl’s lunch at Barneys (no tomatoes in the salad, balsamic vinegar instead of vinaigrette, and a Diet Coke), preceding a stroll through the designer floor—an uncommon indulgence. “I hardly ever get the chance to shop, feel the fabrics, and try things on. While I adore shopping, I mostly do so through Net-a-Porter,” she explains. Attentive personal shoppers circulate to deliver her selections (a navy Lanvin dress; Celine tops in olive crepe and black leather; a loose black jacket and three-quarter pants by Ann Demeulemeester) to a private fitting room. Victoria closely examines the Jil Sander options (“I can’t wait to browse Vogue.com to see their updates!”) and the Alaïa section. David previously treated her to a visit to Alaïa in Paris, where the designer himself assisted in the fitting process. (Her strategy for coping with the temperature shifts between Los Angeles’s outdoors and air-conditioned interiors: “Always bring an Alaïa cardigan along.”)
As we exit Barneys’ parking garage in the warm afternoon sun, Victoria notices a large camera lens protruding from a passing car window. Vehicles armed with cameras surround the Range Rover, swerving dangerously like predatory insects. After dropping me off at my hotel, she navigates the chaotic exit with surprising agility, nearly colliding with a wall in her determination to evade the photographers, a testament to the challenges of her celebrity lifestyle. “When alone as a woman driving with the kids, it can feel quite intimidating,” she comments calmly.
That evening, the Beckhams have invited me to join them for dinner. By 6:30, I find myself ensconced in their secluded mansion. Upon David’s transfer from Real Madrid to L.A. Galaxy in 2007, Victoria faced the urgency of relocating her family and soon chose this 13,000-square-foot, $22 million Beverly Hills estate, strategically situated between their sons’ schools and Barneys. Within two months, she had fully decorated the house with the assistance of her friend Kelly Hoppen, an interior designer. “I wanted everything to be immaculate by the time David and the boys arrived,” she recounts. “Upon their arrival from Spain, I ensured to have the house ready. Candles were lit, someone was there to unpack, and there was a home-cooked meal waiting. The music was playing—David simply walked in, set down his suitcase, and it was perfect. I aimed for a stress-free transition for everyone. Thankfully, he loved the house; we share a similar taste.”
That evening, the scent of Diptyque’s Tuberose fills the air in the Beckhams’ grand living room, with Victoria’s cherished local swing-era radio station playing softly. The walls are adorned with silver leaf, and chandeliers drip with vintage, hand-cut crystal accents. A large coffee table brimming with orchids and coffee-table books (Avedon Fashion: 1944–2000 and a Julian Schnabel catalog—one of his works prominently displayed on the wall) is flanked by two opulent light-gray sofas fit for a princess (even Victoria’s 25-inch waist could comfortably nestle within them multiple times).
It’s a scene of astonishing glamour—the perfect ambiance for the iconic pop culture couple. Victoria believed that the vast entrance hallway would offer a great place for the boys to skateboard, while one of Damien Hirst’s Spot paintings and his enormous, candy-pink heart butterfly look down upon them during their fun. The dining room features stuffed white peacocks, and Bert Stern’s famous photo of Marilyn Monroe presides over the mantel. A Lucite display case in the living area showcases a pair of Manolo Blahnik ankle boots that Hirst decorated with his signature dots, labeled “Posh boots for a posh bird” on the soles.
“There’s no chance I’m going to risk stepping into those puddles!” she laughs.
David clarifies why he has never attended one of Victoria’s fashion shows. “I usually provide a calming presence, but I think it’s best for her to focus solely on that,” he explains. “The pressure you subject yourself to is immense,” he adds. (For her polished fall-winter 2012 showcase at the New York Public Library, inspired by the nostalgic baseball practice gear, he surprised her by showing up at her hotel room on the morning of the event, mere hours before it started.)
“I strive to ensure that when I work, I give everything I can,” Victoria insists. “It’s the utmost I can present. Similarly, you aim for the highest quality in what you do. You, too, are a perfectionist.”
“I try to be,” David replies.
The boys soon join us for dinner (Harper, snug in her lilac-hued bedroom under a lilac Hirst butterfly, is monitored via iPad). They gladly dig into the extravagant sushi starters—exotic culinary experiences are commonplace, thanks to their father, who has introduced them to traditional East End delicacies such as pie and mash, and stewed eels—though they opt for child-friendly options for their main course of halibut served in red wine.
This meal is paired with wine sourced from Napa Valley—a private label in which the Beckhams are stakeholders—where they occasionally unwind, “every couple of months,” as David shares. Last year, the boys donned beekeeper suits to gather honey from their hives (with Brooklyn getting stung in the process) and stomped grapes to produce the wine. The Beckhams manage a production of 900 bottles annually, which they gift to friends and family.
Encouraged by their brothers, Victoria takes a sip of wine, prompting them to plead for permission to sleep in the same room. “They snuggle like peas in a pod,” she observes, “but only on nights when school isn’t an issue.” “Or when Mummy’s had a glass of wine,” David adds humorously.
My evening with the impeccably polite Beckham boys turns into a delightful showcase. Brooklyn strums “Here Comes the Sun” on his guitar, Romeo shares his drumsticks (Elton John serves as one of their godfathers), and Cruz showcases his purple tae kwon do belt along with showing off some techniques. “He excels in breakdancing; he can spin on his head,” Victoria beams. “But please, don’t do that now, darling—you’ll make yourself dizzy!” Cruz is also exploring ballet, inspired by his cousin’s luck in being able to lift girls.
Before retreating to bed, asking to take their leave from the table, the brothers break into an unplanned rendition of “Walk Like a Man”—their favorite tune from Jersey Boys. “I wish I could say they inherited this talent from me, but they clearly didn’t,” their proud mother says with a shrug. “However, they possess great fashion sense; I proudly assume they got that from me.”
