In Conversation with Victoria Beckham: Memories, Fashion, and Beauty
After the fashion and beauty lines, "Posh Spice" launches a collection of three perfumes in collaboration with the nose Jérôme Epinette. «I see perfume as an extension of my wardrobe. The choice depends on where you are going, how you feel. I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear, choosing makeup, and I think that smell summarises and embellishes the whole process."
Victoria Beckham, global icon and founder of her eponymous fashion house in 2008, continues to make her mark on the fashion system. Her musical career with the Spice Girls has told the story of an entire generation. From "Posh Spice" to successful designer, critically acclaimed and featured on the calendar of the prestigious Paris Fashion Week, Victoria has consolidated her role in the world of luxury, and her artistic journey has certainly influenced her distinctive aesthetic. Today, after presenting her clothing and beauty line, Victoria Beckham launches herself into the fascinating universe of perfumes, presenting the first three fragrances: Portofino '97, Suite 302 and San Ysidro Drive. Her love story with the famous footballer David Beckham was the romantic melody that inspired the aromatic notes of the new project. This compelling step expands a story that began years ago, and, from Paris to Beverly Hills, passing through the fascinating Ligurian coast, we will follow a true sensorial journey in the name of elegance and memories. Victoria tells her story and shares all the inspirations hidden behind every single creation, revealing her approach to fashion , beauty and, today, also perfumes.
L'OFFICIEL: What is your first memory related to perfumes?
VICTORIA BECKHAM : As a child, I collected empty bottles of Chanel No. 5 that a friend of my mother's gave me and proudly displayed them in my room. Then, during the 1980s, I would observe my mother in front of her mirror before attending dinners or events. I think that's where my love for beauty and, specifically, perfumes was born. She had all her favorite fragrances, Poison by Dior and Opium by YSL, along with lots of Elnett hairspray. She wore makeup and dressed in strappy dresses, lots of velvet, peplum skirts and showy clip-on earrings. I guess that's where I first saw how fashion and beauty talk to each other.
«By researching the fragrances that inspired me, I discovered that they were all creations by Jérôme Epinette. For this reason, I wanted to work with him."
LOI : How were your perfumes born?
VB : Three months into our relationship, David and I took a 48-hour trip to Portofino and stayed at the Hotel Splendido. I remember David lying in bed, I opened the doors overlooking the sea and it was all so magical. I had never experienced anything like this before. I will never forget that moment, that feeling, at the origin of Portofino '97. San Ysidro Drive takes its name from the street in Beverly Hills where we lived after moving to LA in 2007. It was a period of healing, it reminds me of Malibu, hiking and surfing with the kids, in short, our life there. Suite 302 is my love letter to Paris. I wanted to capture the feel of traveling with David to our happy place. I remember one trip in particular, I was wearing a leopard-print bustier with a purple lace miniskirt and I was leaving the Ritz, chased by paparazzi. It was all so opulent and glamorous, just like this fragrance.
LOI : Who did you rely on for the fragrances?
VB : I collaborated with nose Jérôme Epinette, researching the fragrances that inspired and attracted me in recent years, I discovered that they were all Jérôme's creations. Precisely for this reason, right from the start, I wanted to work with him. The campaign is by Steven Klein, because there was no one else who could create these images. I love his way of photographing and describing women, I appreciate how much he never makes them "victims" in his photos. On the contrary, they are in control of everything, they are strong and powerful. The day we did the campaign, we started at six in the morning and finished at midnight - Steven is a lot like me; we could have finished at dinner, but we both wanted to continue because we felt we still had a lot to say. I always like to collaborate with the best; for skincare I worked with Augustinus Bader.
LOI : How do you choose the perfume to wear?
VB : I see perfume as an extension of my wardrobe. The choice depends on where you are going, who you are going with, how you feel. I spend a lot of time thinking about what to wear, choosing makeup, and I think that smell summarises and embellishes the whole process.
LOI : Your perfumes are gender-neutral. How important do you think it is to spread a message of inclusiveness?
VB : This is certainly very important and was another reason why I was attracted to Jerome's work. He is known for creating genderless perfumes for brands, as seen in his exceptional work with Byredo. He dedicates himself to creating extraordinary perfumes, without focusing on genre, giving in this case a completely different and unique value.
LOI : What challenges did you face in creating this project?
VB : Patience, without a doubt. This project has roots in the past, and thinking about everything, it was right to take eight years to get there. This autobiography of mine through fragrances is by far the most personal project I have ever worked on. It is a launch that transforms Victoria Beckham into a real fashion house.
LOI : Thinking about your past collections, are there any archive pieces or accessories that have become iconic?
VB : It's always difficult to choose just one narrative. Each piece and accessory in my archive carries with it a unique meaning, as my inspiration is nourished by personal experiences. The choice of not being able to select one reflects the complexity of my creativity. Each collection represents a thoughtful adaptation of my style, a perfect balance between feminine and masculine. Creating a feminine wardrobe that is effortless, versatile and rooted in modernity with sophisticated simplicity is a challenge I accept with passion. Each piece embodies a part of my story and vision, contributing to an ever-evolving creative journey.
LOI : What emotions do you feel when you see women wearing and loving what you created?
VB : Experiencing the thrill of seeing women wear and appreciate my creations is an incredible journey. True joy comes from helping bring out the best version of yourself. Fashion, for me, goes beyond aesthetics; it is a vehicle of inspiration. However, the deepest gratification emerges when women feel authentic and confident wearing one of my items, an accessory, a product from the beauty line or, today, a perfume. Their reaction, that mix of happiness and confidence, represents the beating heart of my passion for fashion and confirms the profound reason behind my dedication to this profession.
LOI : Your bags are made in Italy...
VB : That's right, about a year ago I had the honour of presenting a line of leather accessories, in particular a collection of bags made in Italy. These represent an important addition to the aesthetic of my ready-to-wear collections. All accessories are designed down to the smallest detail, with often sculptural silhouettes and designed as an extension of each look. My imagination of everyday clothing merges with refined materials, favoring practicality to satisfy the different wardrobe needs of my customers.
LOI : What do you intend to convey with the narration of the new Spring/Summer 2024 collection?
VB : Ballet was the key inspiration for my new collection. I drew inspiration from a dancer in different moments of her routine: from rehearsals on stage, through daily life on the subway. But I also let the British countryside be a source of inspiration. Every weekend, my husband and I visit our house in the countryside, exploring the small antique shops and vintage boutiques. Sometimes I find tablecloths that take me back to the times when I used to visit my grandparents, evoking memories of their home. There's a real feeling of nostalgia about it all.
LOI : Is there an object, an accessory or simply a VB detail that you can't do without?
VB : Absolutely yes! From my beauty line, the 'Victoria Beckham Beauty N°2 Lip Definer' lip pencil. I wear it every day and make sure I have one in every bag, I could never do without it!
