RUNWAY RUNDOWN: Victoria Beckham S/S 10

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Savvy Spice, as Victoria Beckham could now be called, is continuing on her deliberate, practical route to the distinction of “serious designer.” Thus, her seasonal research occurs close to home: “What do I want to wear? That’s always the final test,” Beckham said during an appointment at the Hosfelt Gallery. And if her “I am Everywoman” mantra glorifies even the most well-toned, well-heeled gal next door, Beckham’s point is well taken. As a customer, she wants to know she can rely on key resources for familiar, flattering silhouettes season after season; hence spring’s continuation of ultracurvy, corset-based dresses, now delivered with contrast banding and a strong shoulder. (”It gives the illusion of a smaller waist,” she said.) Yet as a designer Beckham wants to stretch, and as businesswoman, to instill enough consumer trust for her faithful to try something new. That element turns up for spring in full-skirted, more girlish shapes (one such dress, in open-work lace shown over a bandeau and briefs, will be shipped with a tube dress underpinning). As a bigger surprise, she offered a pair of beautifully draped dresses in a bold, painterly print, one in georgette, the other duchess satin. Earth-shattering? Perhaps not. But a lovely, glamorous lineup to appeal to women who live on the real side of chic — absolutely.

Written by Shirley Warner of Cult