Victoria Beckham’s Netflix Documentary Reveals Deep Insights into Her Life and Career
Victoria Beckham, known as Posh Spice during her time with the Spice Girls, has released a self-titled Netflix documentary that offers an intimate look into her life. The three-part series, which premiered on October 9, follows the lead-up to her 2024 Paris runway show for her eponymous fashion brand. This release comes two years after the success of David Beckham’s own documentary, which attracted over 3.8 million viewers in its first week.
The documentary explores various stages of Victoria’s career, from her early days as a member of the Spice Girls to her role as a football WAG and eventually as a prominent figure in the fashion industry. It also delves into personal challenges and emotional revelations that have shaped her journey.
The Secret Behind Victoria Beckham’s Red Carpet Pout
One of the most intriguing aspects of the documentary is Victoria’s explanation of her signature red carpet pout. In 2015, she joked about not smiling in pictures because she felt a responsibility to the fashion community. However, in the documentary, she revealed the real reason behind her expression.
Victoria explained that she always stood on the left side of the red carpet with her husband, David Beckham. She discovered that smiling from the left made her appear more natural, while smiling from the right gave her an unwell look. This revelation explains why she often appeared moody in public photos despite feeling happy internally.
Overcoming an Eating Disorder
During the documentary, Victoria opened up about her struggles with an eating disorder during her early career. As a member of the Spice Girls in the 1990s, she faced constant criticism of her appearance. She recalled how she lost all sense of reality and became very critical of herself.
Victoria admitted that she lied to her family to hide her disorder and never spoke about it publicly. She described the emotional impact of being told she wasn’t good enough, a sentiment that followed her throughout her life.
In 1999, just months after giving birth to her first child, Brooklyn, she was made to weigh herself in front of a live TV audience during an interview on the British chat show TFI Friday. This experience highlighted the pressures she faced during her early career.
The Sad Truth Behind the WAG Era
After the Spice Girls disbanded in 2001, Victoria transitioned into the world of WAGs (wives and girlfriends of footballers) as the wife of David Beckham. While she recalls the era as fun and filled with big hair and big boobs, she also revealed the deeper reasons behind her choices.
Victoria admitted that she didn’t feel creatively fulfilled during this time and used her status as a WAG to stay in the public eye. Although the documentary doesn’t mention it, there were rumors in 2003 about a possible affair between David Beckham and his then-secretary, Rebecca Loos.
Financial Struggles and Business Turnaround
In 2008, Victoria launched her fashion brand with the help of her husband, who invested millions in the business. However, by 2016, the company was facing severe financial difficulties. Victoria described the stress of having to return home to both her husband and her business partner, acknowledging the pressure of managing the company.
In 2017, David Belhassen, founder of Neo Investment Partners, bought a third of Victoria’s brand and helped turn it around. He pointed out that the company had been spending excessive amounts on unnecessary expenses, such as $93,000 annually on office plants and another $20,000 to maintain them. After these cuts, the business recorded its first profit in 2022.
Anna Wintour’s Initial Dismissal
Victoria also shared her experiences with Anna Wintour, the former editor-in-chief of Vogue. She invited Wintour to every season of her runway shows, but the latter only attended in 2013. Wintour initially doubted Victoria’s commitment to fashion, thinking she might be just a hobbyist. However, she later acknowledged that Victoria proved her wrong.
Hurt by Mel B’s Comments
During the Spice Girls’ 2008 reunion tour, Victoria admitted that her heart wasn’t in it anymore. She recalled a painful moment when Mel B (Melanie B) commented, “Don’t forget where you’ve come from.” This statement upset Victoria, as she emphasized that she had never forgotten her roots as Posh Spice.
Throughout the documentary, Victoria reflects on her journey, revealing the highs and lows that have defined her life and career. Her honesty and vulnerability offer a compelling insight into the woman behind the public persona.
