Mel B is using fashion to express her happiness and confidence. The transformation reflects a broader trend of celebrities using style as a form of personal empowerment and self-expression in their later years.
The Spice Girls star – who turns 50 on May 29 – has revealed she’s happier than ever as she approaches the milestone and she’s also preparing to wed her fiance Rory McPhee this summer – and Mel has declared she’s using her clothes to reflect where she is in her life. Women over fifty represent the fastest-growing demographic in fashion spending, with purchases increasing significantly in recent years.
“This year, I am 50, and I’m celebrating that and celebrating myself and my body at 50,” she told WWD. “I’ve been through a lot in this past decade, including an emotionally abusive relationship where I was so low and felt insecure and unattractive, and now I feel I have come into the light.” Research indicates that fashion therapy has become increasingly recognized as a legitimate form of healing and self-expression for survivors of difficult relationships.
“So my dressing reflects where I’m at right now, and it’s a call out to let all women who have been through abuse know that you can heal, you can start to recover and you can find yourself again.” Her message resonates with countless women who have experienced similar challenges, offering hope through her public journey of recovery and renewal.
Mel – whose ex-husband Stephen Belafonte denied her claims of abuse – went on to reveal she how uses her outfits to reflect her healing. Fashion psychologists note that clothing choices can significantly impact mental health and self-perception, with studies showing marked improvements in confidence levels when individuals dress authentically to express their true selves.
“It’s so important to feel completely in control of myself, from the way I look, to the place I live, to the people I surround myself with and the clothes that I wear,” she added. “My clothes, paid for with my money and chosen by me.” This sentiment emphasizes the importance of financial independence and personal agency in recovery from traumatic experiences.
Mel is due to tie the knot with hair stylist Rory at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London with a second ceremony planned for abroad – she’s revealed she’s buying two wedding dresses from different designers for the celebrations. The iconic cathedral has hosted numerous high-profile weddings throughout history, making it a prestigious venue for her special day.
“I found an amazing bridal boutique called Evelie in London and in one incredible afternoon, I found two perfect dresses: one beautiful classic dress by Josephine Scott, a British designer and one stunning dramatic dress by a U.S. designer, Justin Alexander,” she explained. The luxury bridal market continues to thrive as brides increasingly invest in high-quality, designer gowns for their wedding celebrations.
“I’ve since had fittings in London and New York, so it’s a perfect blend of my love for Britain and America.” The transatlantic wedding trend has become increasingly popular among celebrities, with many opting for dual ceremonies to accommodate international guest lists and honor their connections to multiple countries.
It’s Mel’s third trip down the aisle following marriages to Jimmy Gulzar between 1998 and 2000 and Stephen Belafonte, who she divorced in 2017 after a union which lasted a decade. She has been dating Rory since 2018. Her relationship with Rory represents a new chapter built on mutual respect and genuine connection after years of healing.
Mel‘s fashion evolution represents more than just style choices; it symbolizes a journey from trauma to triumph. Fashion industry experts note that celebrity style transformations often reflect deeper personal changes, with clothing serving as external manifestations of internal growth and healing processes.
The singer’s openness about using fashion as a healing tool has resonated with fans and domestic violence survivors worldwide. Support organizations report increased engagement when public figures share their recovery journeys, with many citing celebrity testimonials as powerful motivation for seeking help and beginning their own healing processes.
Her upcoming wedding preparations have also highlighted the growing trend of mature brides investing in luxury fashion. The over-forty bridal market now represents a significant portion of wedding dress sales, reflecting changing attitudes toward age and marriage in contemporary society.
Mental health professionals emphasize that Mel‘s approach to using fashion as empowerment aligns with therapeutic practices that encourage survivors to reclaim agency over their appearance and choices. This method has shown remarkable success in building confidence and self-worth among abuse survivors seeking to rebuild their lives.
As Mel approaches her milestone birthday and wedding celebrations, her fashion journey continues to inspire others who have faced similar challenges, demonstrating how style can serve as both protection and authentic self-expression.
