Victoria Beckham – then and now in 16 photos

Victoria Beckham, then Adams, responded to an ad for an all-female pop group in a 1993 issue of The Stage, and was selected from hundreds of applicants to become a Spice Girl. The group’s concept was deliberate: five “strikingly different girls”, each with a bold persona, designed to appeal to a broad audience.

As Posh Spice, Victoria brought an effortless sophistication to the group’s dynamic, adorned in chic, monochromatic looks and always giving the camera her signature pout. The girl group’s infectious energy and unapologetic message of “Girl Power” resonated with ‘90s teens, and the Spice Girls rode a meteoric rise to fame. 

Can you name a more iconic line-up of outfits? Victoria and her fellow Spice Girls took to the Brit Awards stage in 1997 and blew audiences away with their performance of “Wannabe” and “Who Do You Think You Are”. Victoria further established her sleek, minimalist aesthetic – especially in contrast to bandmate Geri Halliwell’s iconic Union Jack minidress and Mel B’s leopard unitard. 

Her sophisticated demeanour only added to her popularity, and cemented her status as the group’s style muse (a surefire hint at the fashion mogul she would later become).

David and Victoria were red carpet legends, and stepped out in this simply iconic, matching black leather look at the Versace Club Gala Party in 1999. Victoria’s Posh Spice aesthetic became synonymous with her own fashion identity – and clearly inspired David, too.

The queen of daring looks, Victoria also debuted a fresh new pixie crop in 1998, a look that was splashed all over magazines and had salons buzzing with requests. She also rocked the short ‘do at her wedding to David in July, where media and fans swarmed the church to try and get a glimpse of the happy couple.

Cue the tears – Forever was the third and final album released by the Spice Girls, with Geri Halliwell having already left in 1998. The girls went on an indefinite hiatus after the release of their number-one single “Holler”, turning towards solo ventures.

Victoria showed her business prowess early on – she released her self-titled debut album in 2001, followed by her autobiography Learning to Fly the same year, giving fans a glimpse behind-the-scenes of the Spice Girls and into her marriage with David. While the star later released a handful of singles, it became clear her iconic influence extended beyond the pop charts and was shaping a new kind of celebrity. 

Often considered a key figure in the rise of WAG culture, Victoria’s pre-existing status as a pop superstar helped drive interest in the wives and girlfriends of footballers, and turn them into celebrities of their own. Fans tracked her every look, which were often variations of casually chic graphic tanks and low-slung jeans, paired with oversized sunglasses.

Whether arriving at airports or sitting in the stands, Victoria turned heads (and cameras), and helped turn the WAG into a bona fide cultural figure.

In 2007, Victoria dipped her toes in the world of fashion with the launch of her lifestyle brand, dVb (David Victoria Beckham – the name tapped into their joint celebrity status, though David was notably absent from any fashion designing…). 

She debuted a line of denim and sunglasses at Saks Fifth Avenue in 2007, similar to her everyday looks fans were clamouring for. dVb marked the start of Victoria’s businesswoman era, setting the stage for her later success as a high-fashion designer – which this The Devil Wears Prada-esque shot of her absolutely channels.

What better place for a burgeoning fashion designer and style icon than the Met Gala? Victoria’s formal looks were always on-theme and effortlessly beautiful, and the star became a familiar face at the iconic event.

She wore this frosty, full-length beaded gown at the "Superheroes: Fashion And Fantasy” edition in 2008, designed by Giorgio Armani, which remains one of her most memorable fashion moments. What's your favourite VB Met Gala moment?

After much anticipation, Victoria debuted her first ready-to-wear collection as a designer at New York Fashion Week in 2008. While fashion media had been expecting the Posh-esque minidresses that she was known for, her 10-dress collection was a smash hit with critics that proved she had an eye – and a love – for fashion design.

Sarah Bailey, the then-deputy editor of Harper’s Bazaar, described the show as “an extraordinary presentation, [and she] was very sweetly nervous and humble. She talked through this collection of dresses with such incredible conviction and you could almost feel hearts and minds being melted as we were sitting there.”

Victoria’s eponymous label went from strength to strength, becoming a fully-fledged fashion house by the early 2010s. Her collections were known for being polished and impeccably tailored, and Victoria’s personal touch was all over them – is this stunning black minidress not giving major Posh energy?

The star’s consistent presence on the runway solidified her as a serious industry player, and she was a regular feature at major fashion weeks worldwide, as well as on the pages of high-fashion magazines and websites.

We all remember where we were when this happened! The Spice Girls shocked the world when they reunited for a surprise performance at the London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony. The girls entered on top of bedazzled taxis and sang a medley of their greatest hits – and Victoria looked undeniably fierce in a black high-low dress and pumps.

While now the proud owner of a fashion empire, Victoria showed why she was a pop superstar in the first place, and the performance has now been viewed more than 28 million times on YouTube.

If you’ve been feeling Victoria’s absence at the Met Gala, you’re not alone. She hasn’t made an appearance since 2014, but she certainly went out with a bang in this white strapless gown – a piece from her very own label.

Victoria has evolved into the ultimate muse for her brand, often sporting looks from recent collections at high-profile events. 2024 also marked the first time a star (other than herself) wore one of Victoria’s looks to the Met Gala, when she designed this ethereal dusty pink gown for Bridgerton star Phoebe Dynevor. 

Following the decade-long success of her label, Victoria added a new notch to her belt with the release of Victoria Beckham Beauty. The fashion mogul developed a line of makeup, as well as skincare and fragrance, that could help fans achieve her signature glowing skin and deep brown smoky eye. 

“I create what I can’t find on the market,” she exclusively told HELLO! In 2024, adding that her signature look takes just five minutes to complete. 

Another iconic appearance, another iconic outfit – behind the bride and groom themselves, David and Victoria were one of the most-watched couple at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018.

 Victoria channelled regal elegance with a navy dress – another piece from her own line – paired with a matching fascinator designed by royal milliner Stephen Jones, and bright orange pumps that added the perfect pop of colour.

Victoria and her family stepped out at the premiere of Netflix’s Beckham documentary in 2023, the landmark tell-all docuseries chronicling David’s rise to fame. While Victoria is now the subject of her own documentary, fans loved catching her interactions with David in the series, which was that year’s biggest audience hit on the streaming platform.

The premiere marked a rare chance for audiences to catch the whole family together, and Victoria looked radiant in a relaxed white suit by her label – a piece she’s worn repeatedly.

Nearly three decades after her debut as Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham remains a force to be reckoned with. The star redefined what it meant to be a celebrity, seamlessly pivoting from popstar to fashion powerhouse – all on her own terms. The star shows no signs of slowing down, and we can’t wait to see what venture she’ll succeed at next.

Victoria Beckham is now streaming on Netflix.