Posh evokes memories of the young Princess Margaret

Of all the many adjectives applied to Victoria Beckham, 'sophisticated' has been one of the least used.

Until now. Posh Spice is at last living up to her nickname with a glamorous yet refined photoshoot for Vogue, including her first cover.

Posing in a series of flowing outfits accessorised with diamonds, the 33-year-old singer and fashion designer evokes memories of the young Princess Margaret, photographed for her 19th birthday by Cecil Beaton.

Now that IS posh, Posh! Queen Victoria adopts a regal pose

Margaret was photographed for her 19th birthday by Cecil Beaton in 1949

Other shots bring to mind vintage style icons such as the actresses Ava Gardner, Rita Hayworth and Marlene Dietrich.

Only the occasional flash of tattooed back betrays her 21st century status.

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, said: "The pictures demonstrate the Eliza Dolittle quality of Victoria, veering from mannered hauteur to the trashy sexiness of her exposed back laced with tattoos."

Miss Shulman, who interviewed her for the feature, said Posh arrived in skyscraper Christian Louboutin shoes and admitted: "I have joined a gym but I can't bring myself to start.

"Obviously working out is important - well, I don't. What do you wear on the running machine? I can't bring myself to wear flat shoes."