Amid scandal: Victoria Beckham awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters

For her contribution to fashion and culture

At the height of Paris Fashion Week, designer and former Spice Girls member Victoria Beckham was honoured with one of France’s most prestigious distinctions – the Order of Arts and Letters.

The award was presented by France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, who described Victoria as «a global icon who holds a special place in the hearts of the French people». Since 2022, the Victoria Beckham brand has regularly showcased its collections in Paris, which, according to the minister, has become an important contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.

The award ceremony, held at the Ministry of Culture, was deliberately organised without public announcements: the organisers sought to avoid heightened media attention in the wake of recent high-profile statements made by the Beckhams’ eldest son, Brooklyn.

Victoria expressed her gratitude to France in a personal Instagram message:

«I have always deeply admired French aesthetics and the serious way in which fashion is treated here – as a form of art. To be recognised here and to receive such an honour is an immense privilege, reflecting decades of dedication and hard work. I sincerely thank Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, my business partners, my family, and especially David – my husband and first investor. I am endlessly grateful; you are my everything».

The 51-year-old designer was supported by her closest family members: her husband David Beckham, daughter Harper, and sons Romeo and Cruz accompanied by their partners.

Among the guests were also representatives of the global fashion and cultural elite – Anna Wintour, Edward Enninful, Cindy Bruna, Haider Ackermann and others.

Established in 1957, the Order of Arts and Letters is awarded to cultural figures for their significant contribution to the development of French arts. Over the years, its recipients have included Demna Gvasalia, Giambattista Valli, Simon Porte Jacquemus, as well as the late fashion editor André Leon Talley.

This appearance marked the Beckham family’s first public outing since the recent family scandal. However, neither Victoria nor David has commented publicly on the situation. In a recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, David, speaking more broadly about the impact of social media, merely noted that children should be «allowed to make mistakes».

Meanwhile, members of the family continue to lead active public lives: Victoria attended Emma Bunton’s 50th birthday celebration, Romeo appeared at Willy Chavarria’s show in Paris, and Cruz announced a mini tour across the UK and Europe. According to the British press, Brooklyn Beckham is also preparing to work on memoirs together with his wife Nicola Peltz – sources claim that negotiations with Penguin Random House are already under way.