In a new cover story for Byrdie, the ‘Lola’ director gets real about life behind the cameras

Nicola Peltz for Byrdie. PHOTO: BYRDIE

Nicola Peltz Beckham appreciates her bond with mother-in-law, Victoria Beckham, more than ever.

Since her wedding to Brooklyn Beckham in April 2022, the actor and director 29, has been shutting down rumors about her alleged feud with the designer and former Spice Girls pop star. (Internet rumors alluded to a so-called rift between the two stemming from Nicola choosing to wear a Valentino bridal gown, not a Victoria Beckham design, although Nicola has confirmed the decision simply came down to logistics.)

In a new cover story for Byrdie, released on Thursday, Nicola is proving to the world once again that there’s only love between the pair.

“I love her, and she’s such an incredible, successful woman,” she says of the singer turned designer, 49. “How lucky am I that I get to ask her for advice? I’m blessed!”

Nicola Peltz for Byrdie.BYRDIE

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When speaking to PEOPLE at the Lola premiere, Nicola gushed over Victoria and her fashion expertise, as she wore a custom Victoria Beckham bustier and pants for the event marking her directorial debut.

“She is a genius. I am so honored to be able to wear this tonight. I feel so, like, business but sexy, and she’s a genius,” Nicola said of her look and Victoria, who supported her daughter-in-law at the premiere.

Repping a family label was entirely her choice too, considering the fact that she doesn’t have a stylist. She told PEOPLE that she doesn’t even need one because she has her chic mom, Claudia Heffner Peltz, and Victoria to assist in the fashion department.

Victoria Beckham and Nicola Peltz Beckham pose together at the “Lola” premiere.LISA O’CONNOR/AFP VIA GETTY

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Elsewhere in her Byrdie interview, Nicola opened up about the importance of surrounding herself with family.

“Family is everything to me, and I mean that with my whole heart,” she shared. “I’m so close to mine and Brooklyn’s family and I think there’s no better feeling than knowing you have a strong support system. It’s such a blessing, and I never take it for granted.”

Nicola Peltz for Byrdie.BYRDIE

Having a shoulder to lean on (or a few) is important when you’re in the spotlight.

“I get a lot of mean comments on my Instagram that, unfortunately, I do read, and they always comment, ‘She doesn’t work,’” Nicola said of online trolls questioning her success. “And that’s fair, and I don’t blame them for saying that because it’s not like I’m posting my Lola experience every step of the way. But I really have been working on Lola for six years. It’s such a massively long process.”

An official synopsis for the film, out in select theaters now, reads, “Set in 2002 Middle America, Lola revolves around 19-year-old Lola James (Peltz Beckham) who is desperately working to save enough money to get her little brother, Arlo (Luke David Blumm), out of their toxic home dominated by their mother, Mona (Virginia Madsen).”

Nicola tells Byrdie she knew she wanted a female director for the film, she she “wanted that feminine touch and a woman’s perspective.”

“But then people were [suggesting] I should direct because I know the characters better than anyone else,” she adds. “I always wanted to direct, but never in a million years did I think I’d do it in something I wrote and acted in. I just jumped in and did it.”