“Would you say fashion is what you really, really want?” quipped Parsons dean Simon Collins, earlier this month at the new University Center’s Tishman Auditorium. A svelte and poised fashion designer – and former Posh Spice – Victoria Beckham responded with an amused laugh and the attendees of the sold-out event erupted in laughter.
Victoria Beckham is the latest guest to join a series of conversational lectures between Dean Collins and notable fashion designers, businesspersons, and icons, including Isabel Toledo, Reed Krakoff, and Giancarlo Giammetti. The free EventBrite tickets for the conversation sold out in 15 minutes.
The line to enter the auditorium formed in The University Center lobby and curved up along several flights of gray stairs. Students, alumni, press, and VIPs alike stood in line to hear what the former socialite had to say about her development as a designer and businesswoman over the past five years.
The horde of well-dressed and curious purveyors of “poshdom” whispered, pondering what Beckham would have to say. Elyse Maguire, a fashion student at Parsons, said that she was “just curious to hear more about her collection and what background she [Beckham] has for fashion design.”
Design and Management student Chauncey Dominique attended because he is interested in fashion and felt that hearing Beckham’s insight on the industry would help him in his own career. However, he felt torn as to whether or not celebrities should pursue fashion design.
“If I was a celebrity I would produce a line,” Dominique said. “It’s much easier for them and it’s much harder for people who are not celebrities because they don’t have the money to do so.”
When the doors to the auditorium opened, New School students Stefano Garcini and Orhan Awatoramani were lucky enough to find seats in the third row center-stage, just feet away from the crystalline white couches where Beckham and Collins would hold their conversation.
“I actually like some of her designs,” an excited Awatoramani said about Beckham. “Usually when celebrities make their own brands it doesn’t look great. Usually it’s only famous because they are but I actually like some of the things she makes.”
“Learn. Keep your eyes open. Be a sponge,” said Victoria Beckham to the packed auditorium in response to Collins’ question on how her business had become so successful. Undoubtedly aware that the industry continues to doubt her credibility as a designer, Beckham told the audience that she always loved fashion.
“My first fashion memory is of my mom,” Beckham said. “I used to just love watching her get ready.”
She was also careful to explain that she had not jumped into fashion because she thought her name would make her successful nor does she take credit for the entire operation.
“I’m not doing this on my own. I have an incredible team of people,” she said. “I have a fantastic team of the best professionals in the industry.”
When discussing her qualifications for fashion design, Beckham listed the places she had worked before starting her own line.
“I didn’t go to fashion college but I spent quite a few years working for other designers,” Beckham said. “I worked with Rock and Republic designing denim [and with] Linda Farrow designing sunglasses.”
Her biggest and most repeated piece of advice throughout the evening was for students to get as much experience as they could before branching out on their own. “Get out there and learn from other people. Work really, really hard,” Beckham said and Dean Collins agreed.
Aside from being fabulously dressed and well rehearsed, Beckham graciously smiled at each Parsons student who said that they loved her before asking her a question on the auditorium microphone. Many students asked where Beckham looked for inspiration and the former singer said that contemporary artists like Julian Schnabel inspire her. When a particular student asked if she was a feminist, Beckham mused that she was a mother above all, but was inspired by Sheryl Sandberg’s recent book “Lean In.”
“Women should support women,” Beckham said. “I think that there are too many women who don’t. Women should stick together.”
After hearing the talk, attendee Margo Schneider wholeheartedly agreed with Beckham’s advice to work for other people.
“I believe that really is the way to go,” Schneider said. “If you intern, you know how much work it is and it’s really not a glamorous industry. In the end knowing people and learning from them is crucial. “
Beckham debuted her Fall-Winter 2014 collection at New York Fashion Week in the company of her footballer husband David Beckham and their four children. The collection featured mainly black and white sleek elongated shapes with hints of gold chain, a bit of fur, and a rebellious organza ruffle. Last month, she announced that she would open her first store on London’s Dover Street and a new office and showroom in New York.
Ayo Keys is currently earning a dual degree in Fashion Design and Journalism + Design at The New School. Born and raised in West Philadelphia she enjoys thai food, large issues of Vogue, anything rose gold and knitting. She has an obsession with art direction, well designed fonts and hopes to one day become a Creative Director.
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