Victoria Beckham was honored at Harper’s Bazaar’s Women of the Year Awards, where her 13-year-old daughter, Harper, presented her with the prestigious Entrepreneur Award. The young teen, who is the youngest of Victoria and her husband David Beckham’s four children, expressed both excitement and nervousness as she addressed the audience at the event, held at London’s Claridge’s hotel.
Harper began her speech with a touch of humor, noting that it was “a school night” and joking about the potential consequences of missing class. She then shared heartfelt words about her mother, calling Victoria “amazing” and explaining how much she admires her. Harper highlighted the lessons her mother has taught her, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dreaming big, and perseverance. But perhaps most importantly, Harper pointed out that her mother had taught her to always be kind, despite her many commitments.
In response, Victoria accepted the award with a smile, expressing pride in her daughter for having the courage to speak in front of such a large audience. “I’m so proud of you for getting up on stage in front of all these people,” she said. Victoria, who launched her fashion label in 2008, has steadily built it into a global success. Since its inception, the brand has expanded into beauty products and luxury accessories, contributing to a steady increase in revenue. Beckham shared in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar that the brand has experienced double-digit revenue growth for the last three years, and, after years of hard work, it became profitable in 2022.
However, the road to profitability wasn’t always smooth. In 2023, the Beckham family, along with other shareholders, had to provide a substantial £6.9 million cash infusion after the company reported a £200,000 operating loss. Despite the challenges, Victoria reflected on the journey, saying: “The company has been through so much over the last 17 years—ups, downs, restructuring… it’s been quite the journey. So, finally, to be able to say we’re profitable is something I’m so proud of, because it’s not an easy industry, and it’s getting harder and harder.”
The Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards celebrate extraordinary women across various industries, including film, music, literature, and art. In addition to Victoria Beckham, other notable women were honored that evening. Dame Harriet Walter, best known for her roles in Killing Eve and Silo, was presented with the Icon Award for her lifetime achievements in theatre, film, and television. The 74-year-old actress expressed hope that her recognition would serve as a tribute to “older women who are still good at their job,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The Writer Award was presented to author Dame Jilly Cooper, recognizing her remarkable half-century contribution to literature. Meanwhile, actress Nicola Coughlan, famed for her roles in Bridgerton and Derry Girls, received the Television Actress Award, and Sophie Turner, known for her role in Game of Thrones, took home the Performance Award. Other Women of the Year recipients included singer Raye, who made waves at the Brit Awards with six wins in one night; actress Ambika Mod; artist Rana Begum; designer Francesca Amfitheatrof; and Olympic gold medalist Katarina Johnson-Thompson.
Several notable figures in the entertainment industry were present at the event, with actors Jodie Comer, Golda Rosheuvel, and Paapa Essiedu, as well as Love Island host Maya Jama, among the presenters.
As part of a broader celebration of women’s achievements, the evening underscored the increasing recognition of female talent and influence across all fields. From fashion moguls like Victoria Beckham to icons in film and literature, the event highlighted the power of women who continue to break barriers, make an impact, and inspire future generations.
For Victoria Beckham, receiving the award from her daughter was a special moment, reinforcing the values she’s instilled in Harper and the success of her brand after years of hard work and resilience.