Depending on who you ask, Victoria Beckham is either the former leather-mini-dress-clad member of the Spice Girls, or the head of one of the most luxurious fashion brands. Whichever way you slice it, Beckham is one of our greatest style icons.
Whether she's donning a blunt bob and a pinstripe suit or floaty trousers and a crisp white shirt, Beckham has nailed feminine cool time and again. But now she's sharing a different perspective on her iconic girl group looks.
In a recent Q&A with fashion graduates from across the UK, the designer said that her wardrobe of tight, fitted outfits during her Spice Girls days was influenced by her own "insecurity".
In response to Isabelle Hill, fashion management and communication, Sheffield Hallam University, who asked "Has there ever been a time when you felt confused about your personal style?" Beckham said that her personal style has always been under her control.
"When I was in the Spice Girls there were stylists who dressed the group, but in my personal life, I have never worked with a stylist.
"I used to wear lots of structured dresses with corsetry, and I do still have some of those dresses, but my personal style has become more relaxed. Looking back, I guess it was a sign of insecurity that I would always wear clothes that were very tight, very fitted."
Rarely seen out of heels, Beckham's Spice Girls-style was defined by mini skirts, skin-tight slip dresses, crop tops, and the occasional structured suit - all usually in dark or muted tones. When paired with her razor-sharp bob haircut, her ombre nude lipstick and a subtly smokey eye, she was the epitome of 90s glamour.
It's no wonder then that she's become a major inspiration for mega stars like Kim Kardashian, who very often seems to lift looks directly from Beckham's back catalog.
Now, her style is defined by loose shapes, sharp tailoring, feminine silhouettes and vibrant pops of colour. "As the business took off and I got busier, my style changed, because I just can't run around the studio doing everything in high heels."
"I remember one time at a show in New York where I wore a pair of masculine trousers and trainers, and everyone went crazy, "Oh my God, she's wearing trainers!"
As for what she's been wearing during lockdown, Beckham says it's not what some would expect from a top designer.
"I'd love to say my lockdown look has been all about a vintage kaftan, but that’s not the case. I still get up early and exercise every day, then I dress for work and for comfort. A pair of old jeans, a T-shirt or a jumper.
"I’m not quite at the elasticated waistband stage yet – I still want to feel good about myself. We’ve been going out on country walks every day, so the only shoes I wear are an old pair of trainers. It’s so nice just to do things with the family and not think too much about getting dressed. So, definitely no heels."
