For the fifth event in my series of Suzanne Rogers Presents fundraisers, I was delighted to welcome Victoria Beckham to Toronto for a luncheon and an exclusive preview of her Spring 2020 collection. Victoria shares my commitment to bettering the lives of children worldwide. Proceeds from the event benefitted two outstanding organizations—Camp Ooch and The Penelope Neuroblastoma Foundation—which support kids with cancer in very different but equally vital ways. Prior to the luncheon, I had the opportunity to chat with Victoria about her design career and the wider fashion industry.
You have had an incredible career journey to date. What is your next chapter?
“Thank you so much. We celebrated 10 years of my brand last year, which felt like such an achievement, and I just launched Victoria Beckham Beauty, which has been a huge, exciting step for me. Alongside fashion, beauty is an area I am incredibly passionate about, so through both businesses I feel lucky to be able to provide women with head-to-toe solutions. There’s so much more I want to do!”
What advice do you have for young women and designers as they embark upon a career in fashion?
“I would advise any young designer to immerse themselves as much as possible in the industry in order to learn. Intern if you’re able to, and take advantage of opportunities that come your way. The knowledge others in the industry can give you is invaluable. Above all, stay passionate, have a point of view, and work hard to perfect your craft.”
Suzanne Rogers in Conversation with Industry Heroine Victoria Beckham
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Design inspiration and creativity are key to a designer. How and where do you regenerate and re-inspire yourself?
“I get a lot of my inspiration from travel. I’m lucky enough to be in a position where, whether for work or with my family, I’ve been able to see the world. I try to be as open as possible to new experiences at all times, as I really do think you can find inspiration everywhere—you just need to be open to it.”
You’re busy with your family, career, and philanthropy—how and when do you find personal time for yourself?
“Not often! But I really do try to take time for me. We live in such a fastpaced world, and there is so much to get done—so much to get distracted by. I make an effort to set aside time to find peace and quiet. I try not to feel guilty about that.”
What role do you think social media plays in fashion today?
“For me, with fashion and beauty, it allows direct communication with my customer, which is so important to me as a designer. And for the business, it’s invaluable. Having that sort of engagement with my community enables me to create clothes and makeup that work for my customers’ lives. It’s access to our women that in the past I could only get from holding trunk shows and customer events. I still do those as much as I can, but when I can’t take time out of the studio, it’s another window in.”
