Victoria Beckham is no stranger to reinvention—whether in music, fashion, or, more recently, the art world. Now, in her latest collaboration with Sotheby’s, she has transformed her Dover Street boutique into a striking gallery space, showcasing works by some of the art world’s biggest names—Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, Keith Haring, and Yoshitomo Nara among them. "I’ve always wanted my store to be about more than just retail," she tells CULTURED. "In fact, I chose it because the space reminded me of a gallery."
The pieces will be on view through Feb. 10 before Sotheby's puts them on offer in upcoming Contemporary New York and London auctions, or private sales. The collaboration with Beckham follows her work with the auction house on curating two previous collections of Old Masters pieces. For Beckham, who has long had her own genre-spanning collecting practice, acquiring works isn’t about prestige or investment; it’s about instinct.
Her love of art was first sparked years ago by Elton John, whose personal acquisitions (including a Julian Schnabel at the singer's home in Nice) caught Beckham's eye. Since then, she and her husband, David, have built an eclectic trove that spans pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Nan Goldin, Damien Hirst, and Tracey Emin. She gravitates toward work that challenges, inspires, and evokes intense emotion—much like her approach to fashion.
With this latest collaboration, Beckham continues to blur the line between high fashion and fine art. Here, she talks to CULTURED about her evolving taste, the importance of trusting one’s instincts, and why her boutique is the perfect space for a blue-chip hang.
CULTURED: This is your third time working with Sotheby's. Have your tastes changed at all since your 2018 collaboration?
Victoria Beckham: My appreciation for art has always been instinctive, but my understanding of it has deepened over time. The more I learn about a particular period, the more curious I become—I love learning and I’m like a sponge when it comes to absorbing new information. I’ve always been particularly drawn to the elegance and craftsmanship of Old Masters, but my real passion lies in contemporary art. I love artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, and Yoshitomo Nara. I was so thrilled to be able to showcase some of their incredible works in this curated selection.
CULTURED: What criteria or guiding principle did you use to curate this collection? What about your personal collection?
Beckham: For this exhibition, I selected pieces that I felt an instant connection to. Works that are visually striking, thought-provoking, and have an undeniable presence. I’m often drawn to artists who use color and texture in powerful ways, whether it’s the raw energy of Basquiat or the signature blue of Yves Klein. For David and I, collecting is not about making an investment or acquiring a beautiful object for the sake of it—we choose works that bring us real joy every time we see them. That shared passion continues to shape how we curate our collection today.
CULTURED: Who has been the biggest influence on your love for art?
Beckham: I wouldn’t say there has a singular influence... But many years ago, our friend Sir Elton John introduced me to a stunning Julian Schnabel painting at his home in Nice—it completely changed how I saw art. Soon after, David and I bought our first serious piece from Schnabel’s "Sonanbul" series, marking the start of our journey as collectors.
CULTURED: When you began collecting, how did you develop your eye? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned since then?
Beckham: I think my eye has developed through exposure—seeing as much as possible, asking questions, and trusting my instincts. It started with being drawn to works that sparked something in me, but over time, I learned to trust that instinct more. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that collecting should be deeply personal. If a piece speaks to you and makes you feel something, that’s all that matters.
CULTURED: How do you see these works as being in conversation with the pieces available in your boutique?
Beckham: I actually chose the space because it felt like a gallery. I always envisioned it as a space to showcase my work but also the work of others. This past November, I worked with Rose Uniacke to refresh our flagship store, curating artworks and antiques to create a personal, inspiring atmosphere. Like my collections, these pieces embody craftsmanship and emotion, sparking dialogue and creativity.
CULTURED: If you were able to take one of these pieces home with you, which would it be, and where would you hang it?
Beckham: It’s so hard to choose just one, but I really love the Nara. It’s all in the gaze—there’s something so innocent yet edgy about the way she looks at you.
CULTURED: Your collection is one you’ve curated alongside your husband. How do the two of you resolve it if you find you have differing opinions on a piece?
Beckham: David and I have always collected together, and while we don’t always agree at first, we respect each other’s instincts. If one of us feels strongly about a piece, we take the time to understand why—more often than not, we end up seeing it through each other’s eyes. For us, it’s about collecting pieces that bring us joy.
