10 hot stories, including summer’s standout dresses, the truth behind Michaela Coel’s latest hit show and is it breaking point for Brand Beckham?
WHEN MANY OF us packed up our desks and headed off to work from home in March, few imagined we’d still be doing virtual meetings from our kitchen tables and kids’ bedrooms in July. Lockdown has been longer than anticipated, adding unexpected pressures to even the most famous of families. For David and Victoria Beckham, a couple facing pressure as their sporting and fashion empires sit on the verge of uncertain futures, lockdown has forced them to find new ways of operating as a family – and as a decades-strong brand.
The sport and fashion industries have been hit especially hard by the pandemic. Football is returning to pitches across the world, but with no fans in the stands. It’s a struggle even for large clubs with television deals but, for smaller clubs like David’s Inter Miami – which is still being established –
it’s a huge roadblock that has disrupted a meticulous plan to make a big impression in the months following their first match in March. As for fashion, footfall to physical stores is of course down and fashion weeks are evolving, with virtual shows and outdoor presentations set to dominate. Both David and Victoria are battling to ensure there is a place for their passions as we emerge into the new normal.
Victoria’s fashion brand’s financial troubles were an issue even before these unprecedented economic times. In June, new records showed the company had been loaned more than £6m via an ‘investment agreement’ with London Investments Sarl, who had already invested £30m in 2017. The brand is reported to have lost £42m in the last four years. In addition, in recent weeks Victoria has also worked to create ‘more inclusion and representation’ in her company – such as setting up training for unconscious racial bias – and settled a trademark case with Australian skincare company VB Skinlab. ‘It’s a lot to take on from home while also juggling parenting,’ a source explains. ‘But she would never be anything other than hands on when it comes to ensuring the company survives and maintains the high standards she has always strived for. She dots every I and crosses every T. There are a lot of late nights and reading emails on the treadmill. She’s involved every step of the way.’
David is also actively trying to get Inter Miami back on track. At the time of going to press, the team was set to return at a tournament on 8 July. ‘David is too deep into this project now to let it go,’ says a source. ‘It’s not just about business because, from a personal point of view, he is totally on a mission to make it a success and he views it as his duty to see it through. He’s put too much time, money and energy into it to back out now.’ The family still intend to divide their time between the UK and a new penthouse apartment in Miami once travel becomes less complicated.
Indeed, despite the business difficulties, the couple have, a source explains, found joy in reconnecting. ‘Stress and tension-wise, they’ve had their moments, especially being all together in the Cotswolds and unable to travel or socialise like they’re used to,’ says the insider. ‘But both of them have stepped up to the plate in terms of co-parenting, and they’ve made sure to set aside date nights.’ These usually include cooking meals (‘they take turns’), opening a bottle of wine and watching a DVD. No perma-tracksuits and leggings for the pair, either. When Victoria posted a video in June, some remarked that her hair appeared freshly dyed and her manicure looked professional. They have also found pleasure in walks, crafts – David has been building beehives – and have pledged to be honest with each other. ‘You don’t stay together for as long as they have without being frank,’ a source says. ‘They’ve become good at saying “I need some time alone” without the other taking it personally.’
Missing eldest son Brooklyn – who is in lockdown in the US – has also ignited their efforts to have one-on-one time with the other children. David has been thrilled to get his daughter into football boots.
While preserving their own brands, and the prevailing Brand Beckham that brings them lucrative endorsement deals, is of the utmost importance, Victoria has put new focus into the safety of her family. Their homes have always enjoyed state-of-the-art security and the privacy afforded by surrounding land, but two attempted robberies in 2018 have lent a new sense of urgency. They have just received planning permission to build a tunnel at their country home that would give them access to a wine cellar and other areas of the property, with a planning agent stating that it ‘will improve security for the occupants’.
‘Business is important. Brand Beckham is a powerful global entity,’ explains a friend. ‘But for Victoria, family comes first. Like any family, they’re going through a difficult time but, if she has anything to do with it, they’ll come out of this stronger than ever.’