The Softer Side of Victoria Beckham

Fashion designer Victoria Beckham has had a busy 12 months: She's just had her fourth child (Harper Seven). She was named Designer Brand of the Year at the British Fashion Awards last November. And she witnessed her husband, soccer star David Beckham, in his latest foray into the fashion game, launching his own underwear line at H&M. Ms. Beckham designed four separate collections, including the fall 2012 season of her polished ready-to-wear line, her denim label and her newest venture: Victoria, Victoria Beckham.

The lower-priced line, which averages $625 for a dress (a cocktail number from her VB line costs around $3,000), is a collection of alluringly innocent pieces. "I always create something when I can't find it myself," said Ms. Beckham from her home base of Los Angeles. "I wanted the other half of my closet to be just as interesting [as the more polished side], and these are fun, girly dresses that can't help but make you smile."

With this new endeavor, the multitasking Ms. Beckham recognized an opportunity to express a trait not many outside her inner circle have witnessed: her softer, more playful side. "The one thing I want people to do when they see this collection is smile—that's bizarre coming from someone who allegedly never does," she said. "The public very much has a perception of me, and it makes me laugh to myself. "

The 38-year-old's sense of fun can be seen throughout her easy, free-flowing dresses depicting cartoon character Emily the Strange, along with other whimsical patterns that showcase cats and summer rain clouds. And while the line has just launched in the States at Net-a-Porter and Bergdorf Goodman, last month it sold out in less than one day in Britain at Harvey Nichols. Actress Michelle Williams has already been spotted in Victoria, Victoria Beckham, not once, but twice.

Just a few weeks ago, there were rumors of a Spice Girl reunion for Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee, but for the moment, it seems, that's highly unlikely—the woman formerly known as Posh Spice doesn't have time. She's focused on her role as a designer who consistently delivers appealing clothes.

By: Susan Michals - Wall Street Journal