What does it take to make a dress a smash hit?

Ask Victoria Beckham, who has produced a dress that ticks so many boxes it’s becoming as famous as the Herve Leger bandage dress was in the Noughties. Only a lot more versatile.

The cult dress seems to suit women of all ages – thanks to VB’s five-point formula.

Point one is the ruched long waist. Ruching or gathering from waist to hip is as flattering as it is forgiving, and adds movement and interest to a very simple silhouette – not to mention it disguises any lumps and bumps.

Point two is a clean, uncomplicated, feminine silhouette. The dress is cut like a gently flared, midi-length tea dress, so it’s elegant, flattering and eminently wearable.

Victoria in her dress and David Beckham in New York City, 2022
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Victoria in her dress and David Beckham in New York City, 2022

King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain attend a reception at Buckingham Palace
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King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain attend a reception at Buckingham Palace

Other fashionable followers include model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, seen in Paris
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Other fashionable followers include model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, seen in Paris

This is partly thanks to the third point (a crucial one if you’re over the age of 50) – the draped tulip sleeves.

These cunningly have it both ways: they’re long enough to disguise any trace of bingo wings and, at the same time, split to the shoulder so the look is lighter and fresher.

Point four: the miracle dress comes in six plain block colours, so it has all the advantages of a floral dress, plus modernity and striking power.

Naturally Victoria took her catwalk bow wearing the black version, which will no doubt be the LBD on the social circuit this autumn.

Which brings us to point five of the winning formula: you can dress it up or down, and wear it year round. Not much more you can ask from a dress really.

£850 dress fit for a queen that’s behind Posh’s best ever year

As far as rags to riches go, it seems Victoria Beckham’s label has one ‘rag’ to thank in particular.

For this £850 dress has driven profits at Posh Spice’s once troubled fashion brand – with sales soaring by 52 per cent last year.

A-list fans already include Queen Letizia of Spain, 51, and influencer Kendall Jenner, 28, who have both worn the ‘parrot green’ version of the midi-dress.

Gugu Mbatha-Raw seen in the Victoria Beckham Show in Paris Fashion Week, 2023
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Gugu Mbatha-Raw seen in the Victoria Beckham Show in Paris Fashion Week, 2023

Influencer Kendall Jenner, 28, has worn the 'parrot green' version of the midi-dress
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Influencer Kendall Jenner, 28, has worn the ‘parrot green’ version of the midi-dress

Other fashionable followers include model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, and actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw, 41.

Even Ms Beckham, 50, has worn various colours of the dress which has come to be dubbed her ‘cult item’.

One in ten of her online sales is said to be the outfit – which was launched in her spring/summer 2023 show on supermodel Bella Hadid.

A source said the former Spice Girl was ‘thrilled’ at the turnover, adding: ‘Victoria has worked so hard on her label. It has been tough at times but she is so happy it is now going from strength to strength.’

The brand, which was launched in 2008, has reportedly borrowed more than £30 million to stay afloat over the years. However last year saw revenues soar from £59 million to £89 million – its third consecutive year of growth.