‘While everyone was laughing, I was laying the foundation to my business’

Victoria Beckham on her transition from fashion world joke to respected designer
She’s one of the most successful fashion designers in the UK today.
But things weren’t always so rosy for Victoria Beckham, who struggled to be taken seriously when she first ventured from the music industry into the world of fashion.
However, Victoria has insisted in a new interview that she isn’t bitter about those who refused to give her a chance – because she always knew she would make it regardless.
She told The Business Of Fashion (BoF) magazine: ‘For a long time there, I was a bit of a laughing stock. And while everybody was busy laughing, what was I doing? I was laying the foundation to what I have in place now.’
Now, Victoria can count Beyonce, Miranda Kerr, Rachel Weisz, Jada Pinkett Smith and Anne Hathaway among her most famous clients.
Victoria, who looks fierce in a black cape and heavy eyeliner on the cover of the publication, added that while her fame has helped her get to where she is today, it has also sometimes hindered her.
She said: ‘It’s a double-edged sword really. The most valuable part of being famous is that you have a voice and people will listen.
‘I mean I can get a lot of attention. I don’t have to rely on advertising campaigns. But I don’t like to use that card very often.
‘I like to keep my head down, work hard, focus on what I’m doing business-wise. I like to try and control how much I’m seen. I don’t want to go out and be photographed every day, you know.
‘So, I think that as much as one might say, “it has helped,” I’m not so sure. I’ve had to overcome lots of preconceptions, and that’s okay.’
And despite being one half of the world’s most famous couple, Victoria insists that when it comes to her designing, she is treated like any other woman.
Speaking about her London office, Victoria said: ‘I’ve only actually just had an office that has windows. I was downstairs in the cupboard! ‘There are no airs and graces here. Nobody treats me as if I’m a famous person. It is what it is.’