It’s official: the UK has a new prime minister. Earlier today, Andy Burnham visited King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, marking the official start of his position in office, before he travelled to Downing Street to address the public with a speech outside Number 10.
Throughout the day, Burnham was supported by his wife, Marie-France van Heel, marking her official entry into public life. Of course, such a significant event calls for careful wardrobe consideration – and what did she choose to wear for the occasion? None other than Victoria Beckham.
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For Burnham’s first day in office, van Heel opted for an elegant floaty midi dress by the British designer in a frosty pastel shade, gently co-ordinating with her husband’s blue tie. The dress – Victoria Beckham’s ‘Edith’ midi style – is made from a crepe fabric with a zip closure, cape sleeves and a fitted waist. Van Heel pared hers with nude slingback court shoes from Office and accessorised with two pairs of silver hoop earrings, her hair pulled back into an up-do.
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This isn’t the first time van Heel has championed homegrown fashion. On Saturday, for her husband’s leadership declaration, she dressed in a mint-green lace cut-out top and matching midi skirt from high-street favourite Marks & Spencer, with her hair pulled back into a simple bun with a crocodile clip. The blouse is available to buy for £45, while the matching pencil skirt is £35.
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Such a paring of household British brands shows that van Heel is quickly cementing her personal style as one with a high-low sensibility. And, considering her VB moment came on the same day that London Fashion Week released its schedule for September, her choice feels far from coincidental.
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Van Heel has been married to Burnham for 25 years and boasts her own storied career as a marketing professional. She shares three children with the prime minister. While she’s avoided the spotlight for several years, it’s likely we’ll see her style continue to evolve as she steps into her position in public life in the coming weeks.
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Chiara Wilkinson is the Deputy Multiplatform Editor of ELLE UK, looking after the Culture + Life section on the website. She was previously Deputy Editor at Time Out and Senior Digital Editor at ArtReview and has written for British Vogue, The Guardian and Vice, covering arts, culture, wellness and travel. Chiara was named one of PPA’s 30 Under 30 awards and was shortlisted for Best Features Writer at the BSME awards.