Victoria Beckham finally hits High Street as 46-piece Mango collection is revealed – but some fans aren’t happy
SINCE a little black dress made her an overnight fashion icon in the Nineties, Victoria Beckham has spent three decades earning her stripes.
She launched her eponymous brand in 2008 but for years her pricey garments were out of reach for most — until now.
Posh has finally hit the High Street thanks to a collaboration with Spanish giant Mango, with chic pieces starting at £50, released on Tuesday.
Victoria, 50, said: “I really wanted to speak to a wider audience in a way that feels relevant to my brand and retains my aesthetic and DNA.
“I wanted to create a conscious, modern wardrobe which is perfect for the summer months.
“There is a cheekiness but it is also very put together with a sensuality.”
The 46-piece collection goes up to £300, spanning silk camisole tops, tailored suit separates and chunky jewellery and fashionistas have raved over the boxy cut blazer and sexy, slip dresses.
After only hours some items had sold out, including a white trouser suit and a whimsical lilac gown.
But Vic always knew those designs would fly out the door.
She said: “I really love the easy slip dresses and the tailoring in particular. I have always played with both the feminine and masculine and want to offer an effortless women’s wardrobe that is versatile and wearable yet rooted in modernity with a sophisticated ease.
“I was inspired by the iconic French film La Piscine, but more specifically by Jane Birkin’s character and her ease. She is all about natural beauty, is highly feminine and has a real sense of freedom.”
From her days as a Spice Girl, Victoria favoured simple cuts and a streamlined silhouette, although she dabbled with quirkier designs during her solo pop years and at the start of her marriage to David — remember the bandana head scarfs and double denim?
But her fashion compass has always swung back to the classics.
At the weekend she celebrated her 50th birthday wearing a sheer, mint green gown with floral accents.
Less is always more for Victoria, but she said: “Something might appear simple but so much thought and execution has gone into how that piece fits or sits on the body, the way it creates a strong silhouette.
“It was an exciting challenge to embrace another creative process with Mango without compromising on the creative and desirability.
“I am very proud of what we have created together. It feels very modern to bring the two brands together.
“I also feel that we have a shared ethos, aesthetic and values around femininity, quality and a real love of product.”
There appears to be just one snag — the size range.
Critics have noted the largest items are a size 14, with some only available up to 12, even though Mango reaches a size 26 in other collections.
The blazers span from small to large, with measurements of the latter landing between a 12 and 14 at Marks & Spencer.
One style influencer Stephanie Yeboah, who notes she is a body image advocate and a size 22, shared her disappointment online.
She wrote: “I tried on the only three pieces that had stretch because I wanted to see what they looked like on.
“Brands need to see and recognise that bigger bodies are deserving of clothing too. I would have bought the black skirt.
“The dress and the skirt were my favourites but, alas, Vic and Mango said no fatties allowed.
“A shame. A missed opportunity.”
Others added their voice online, with one writing: “Why aren’t you offering sizes above UK14? I’m a size 16-18.
‘Excluding so many’
“I feel left out and like I’m not good enough. So disappointed.
“You’re excluding so many potential customers. Real shame.”
The brand stepped in to reply to the feedback, responding to one: “We are sorry to hear your dissatisfaction regarding the availability of sizes in our Victoria Beckham x Mango collection. We take this opportunity to inform you that we are working to add a wider range of sizes in our next collections.”
Posh’s core collection under her Victoria Beckham brand ranges from XS to XXL (size 18) after she extended the measurements in 2022.
I think people will be very surprised by how strong the fashion message is in every single garment
Posh
If Posh was bothered by the criticism, she didn’t let it show yesterday as she celebrated the launch with a showbiz bash in Spain and a glittering guest list including Alexa Chung, 40, Emily Ratajkowski, 32, and her son Romeo’s on-off model girlfriend Mia Regan, 21.
Mango hired Casa Cruylles, a 1960’s, luxurious white villa set in the cliffs of Costa Brava’s Port d’Esclanya.
The crew filled the resort with hundreds of white candles and mannequins wearing the collection.
Other guests included models such as Adwoa Aboah and British Vogue stylist Julia Sarr-Jamois plus bloggers and stylists.
Dressed in a white suit from her collection, Victoria sipped on spicy margaritas and later they partied to one of Posh’s favourite DJ acts, Hale Zero made up of brothers Carl, Greg and Raf Haley.
In an interview with Vogue last week Victoria gushed that she hoped her Mango collection was “timeless”.
She said: “When you invest in one of these pieces, you won’t just wear it for one season, they’ll be pieces you’ll keep in your wardrobe and wear time and time again.
“I think people will be very surprised by how strong the fashion message is in every single garment.”
What is most surprising, though, isn’t the message or the size range — it’s the distinct lack of an LBD.
I LOVE THIS BUT WHERE IS THE LBD?
By Clemmie Fieldsend, Fashion Editor
I SPENT my younger years as a die-hard Spice Girls fan, dressed up in Posh-inspired LBDs and insisting on having a bob haircut.
Fast forward 19 years and I can finally get my hands on a piece of Victoria Beckham’s collection.
Her range with Mango is filled with sophisticated and timeless pieces that suit my style down to a tee.
From beautifully fluid dresses to elevated tailoring such as a deconstructed trench coat at £300, to classic tuxedo trousers for £150, the range is full of pieces you could pull out of your wardrobe in ten years and they would still be current.
Other fashion and Victoria fans are impressed too, with items such as a black blazer, £180, and lilac dress, £170, already selling out.
Even the more daring pieces are a hit, such as the £140 black semi-sheer blouse.
The blazer screams Posh style and is now the look she is best known for.
There are accessories too, and I love the oversized black basket bag at £170.
For those who aren’t fans of muted wardrobe staples there’s also a floral printed frock and blouse for a splash of colour.
But I can’t believe there is no Little Black Dress.
Sure, it would have been a bit gimmick, but myself and other life-long Posh fans would have appreciated it.