Cover Victoria Beckham at the Victoria Beckham show during London Fashion Week February 2020

Ahead of the British designer’s showing at Paris Fashion Week taking place on September 29, we take a journey through her remarkable transformation over the decades

Victoria Beckham has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning decades, and effortlessly remains in the spotlight with her impeccable fashion sense—year after year.

Last season saw Beckham’s debut on the Paris Fashion Week calendar, one of the most exclusive and hallowed fashion grounds. It was an emotional affair that celebrated the brand’s elevation among the ranks of fashion powerhouses of the highest calibre. The designer was spotted wiping away tears as she acknowledged her guests post-show, with husband David Beckham and children Harper, Romeo and Brooklyn Beckham lining the front row. Vogue US editor-in-chief Anna Wintour was also in attendance.

Read more: 2023 Paris Fashion Week: our favourite looks from Michelle Yeoh, Suga and more

From catapulting to global stardom with the Spice Girls debut to establishing her brand as a New York Fashion Week staple, Beckham reinvented her look at every turn to mark each new era. As the mogul prepares for her second showing at the industry’s most acclaimed fashion event of the season, we break down her four biggest wardrobe transformations, starting all the way back in the ’90s.

Posh Spice

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Photo 1 of 5 Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Mel B from The Spice Girls
Photo 2 of 5 At the Brit Awards 1997
Photo 3 of 5 Beckham performing live on stage in 1997
Photo 4 of 5 At Party in the Park 2000
Photo 5 of 5 At the Amigo Awards 1997

During her time as one fifth of the most famous girl group in the world, Beckham’s wardrobe was the epitome of ’90s fashion trends. She fully embodied her posh moniker with her sleek and sexy ensembles, which were minimalist but designer-driven. The Posh Spice era featured copious amounts of leather, skintight corsets and bralettes, and her signature little black Gucci dresses. Beckham’s penchant for skimpy cut-out tops paired with chokers trademarked this fashion style as the height of 1990s fashion, a trend that’s now making a comeback in the form of Generation Z outfits and accessories today.

Queen of the WAGs

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Photo 1 of 5 FIFA World Cup Germany 2006
Photo 2 of 5 FIFA World Cup Germany 2006
Photo 3 of 5 Baden-Baden, Germany in 2006
Photo 4 of 5 Baden-Baden, Germany in 2006
Photo 5 of 5 Beckham's iconic corset dress at The Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California in 2003

The 2000s were the height of tabloid culture in the United Kingdom, and as wife of then-national football captain David Beckham, Victoria was crowned reigning Queen of the WAGs (wives-and-girlfriends of athletes).

WAG fashion created an aesthetic shrouded in gossip and wealth that’s instantly recognisable by the ostentatious statement accessories, camisoles and low-rise denim paired with perilously high heels. Beckham cemented herself as an icon in this golden period of British fashion history with her  uniform of vest tops matched with upper thigh-skimming shorts and skirts, and quintessential staples of oversized sunglasses and Birkin bags.

This period also launched ‘Posh and Becks’ as Fashion’s First Couple, who began hitting the red carpets decked out in complementary outfits, while retaining their individual tastes.

Fashion Designer

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Photo 1 of 5 At the launch of A/W 08 'dVb By Victoria Beckham' denim collection at Ekseption boutique in 2008
Photo 2 of 5 At the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Sunset Tower in 2010
Photo 3 of 5 At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at New York Public Library in 2012
Photo 4 of 5 Sighted leaving her new store on Dover Street in 2014
Photo 5 of 5 In New York City in 2016

Beckham launched her eponymous fashion brand in 2008, marking her foray into the industry. This era saw the most dramatic style evolution, with the designer beginning to get serious about her label and identity. The brand’s first catalogue was a reflection of her personal tastes, and all about experimenting with the basics—a sophisticated updated wardrobe of body skimming sheath and midi dresses, and a return to monochromatic outfits.

As the years passed, Beckham updated her wardrobe accordingly and in sync with the collections launched by her atelier. This era also saw Beckham begin to incorporate the elegant and neatly collared shirt and trousers combination, we would come to know her for today.

Victoria Beckham Ambassador

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Photo 1 of 5 At the VIOLET GREY x Victoria Beckham Beauty LA Dinner in 2019
Photo 2 of 5 In New York City in 2021
Photo 3 of 5 In Paris, France in 2022
Photo 4 of 5 In Paris, France in 2022
Photo 5 of 5 At the “Le Chouchou” Jacquemus’ Fashion Show in Versailles in 2023

Today, Beckham’s fashion style is probably best described as ambassador for her namesake label, she’s often spotted taking her designs straight off the runway to the streets. Crisp lines and sharp silhouettes ensure that the modern minimalist continues to stand out even in deceptively simple outfits. It’s a patented uniform of sleek suits, minimalistic dresses and signature colour blocking pieces in various hues—all trademark features of the Victoria Beckham brand.

Beckham’s dramatic style evolution over the years has made her a fixture in the fashion world, with each era worthy of a place in the industry’s hall of fame. This year, Beckham’s eponymous fashion label has once again been invited, and will have its second ever showing at Paris Fashion week.

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