BALANCING fashion and function like no other, Victoria Beckham’s AW19 collection features pieces designed for the contemporary woman.
The soaring, radiant architecture of Tate Britain’s central atrium formed a sophisticated backdrop as Beckham’s flowing silhouettes floated along the galleries glazed floor. Beckham’s brand is centred around effortless elegance, and her AW19 is no exception. Her signature relaxed tailoring in a palette of neutrals let loose a little this season, with bold colours and patterns appearing throughout. Perhaps the lipstick red and candy pink shades may be hinting towards some colours we can expect to see in her beauty line releasing this Autumn?
Silhouettes were longline and loose, garments gathering only at the waist and the ankle for a relaxed yet refined fit. A jolt of retro manifested in shirts with high shoulders, as well as several vintage-inspired patterns, such as rope knots, link chains and Beckham’s favourite – animal print. The British designer, entrepreneur and mother of four believes no woman can resist a bit of leopard print, and when it adorns a piece of her clothing, who could? These prints were assembled together in daring combinations, or head-to-toe for the ultimate throwback moment, accessorised by foulards of silken fabric.
Contemporary-classic outerwear combined Beckham’s love of effortless elegant tailoring with the codes of original heritage pieces. A longline coat crafted from beautiful dark check, and a classic navy peacoat were worn unfastened and paired with demurely pastel knitwear beneath. Other pieces were fastened in a cape-esque fashion, adorning the matching suit jacket and skirt combinations beneath.
Knitwear featured the aforementioned nostalgic motifs, allowing for ‘70s-inspired shades of lavender and cornflower blue to break through the achromatic pieces. Argyle patterns also made an appearance, proving heritage is important in contemporary design. Almost every piece of knitwear had a loose, high neck, proving Beckham had created a collection ready for the chilly months of the British winter.
Her evening wear however nonchalantly shrugged its bare shoulders at any sundown cold spells. Plunging necklines and exposed décolletage appear deliciously naughty amongst the elevated collars and multiple layers of knitwear. Sheer lace detailing and exquisite scalloping ensure the refined elements of Beckham’s clothing pertain, even when having a little fun.
But, perhaps the most audacious elements come from this collections array of daring footwear. Beckham is of course famous for her love – both personally and professionally – of a good stiletto heel, and this collection featured court shoes in shades of fluorescent orange, pink and yellow. By pairing these neon heels with tailored trousers and elegant pencil skirts, Beckham was merging business with pleasure. Knee night boots clung to the models limbs in eye-popping hues of electric blue, lipstick red and leopard print. What makes these boots particularly special however, is their cheeky peep toe features. Beckham explained that the women who wears this collection is “a lady … but not particularly ladylike”. The neutral tones of the garments juxtaposed with the brightly coloured footwear created a beautiful visual tempo.
Beckham’s AW19 collection proved there are two sides to every woman. By combining her refined, tailored designs with her “naughty side” as she calls it, she has proved that when Two Become One, that’s where the fun really begins.
by Lucy May McCracken