Icon: David Beckham
It’s safe to say that David Beckham is recongised as a top-level footballer, well respected family man and the jewel in a nation’s crown.
Beckham has settled well into his PSG role
But even more so than these three, Beckham has developed himself into a style icon, dominating the catwalk and the side walk. Fitting, then, that he now finds himself in Paris plying his trade as a footballer – yes he still does that – though you could be excused into thinking that he has set up a fashion HQ there ready to dominate the world.
But Beckham’s style has followed his football. He is without a doubt a stylish footballer but, by god, what a stylish man. He began as a fresh faced, London boy making his way through the youth structure at Manchester United. His performances on the pitch and handsome exterior made him a tabloid’s dream and we began seeing his face on every newsstand in the country.
Though it was in 1999 when he was catapulted into super stardom playing his part in Sir Alex Ferguson’s treble winning United side. Beckham first set foot on his road to becoming a style icon. In 1997 he started dating the then Victoria Adams, known globally as “Posh Spice”. The couple were married in 1999 and thus became “Posh and Becks”
It is with no doubt that Victoria’s influence shaped Beckham’s style but the public lapped it up. Whether it be sarongs, or Mohican hairstyles people up and down the country were copying. Despite whatever was said in the media.
Even his injuries generated hype across the globe. A rogue boot left Beckham with a gash above his left eye after Ferguson was furious with a United performance. This caused a Japanese waxwork museum to commission a likeness off Beckham, boot gash and all.
Though now a married man he was still seen as some sort of rebel, this view changed when the man became captain of England. Ever the patriot, Beckham held this role with dignity and honour.
When he signed for Madrid in 2003 he took with him his style and showcased it not only on the European stage, but also the world’s stage. A clothing campaign by Marks and Spencer quickly followed and “Brand Beckham” was born.
In 2007, he took the world by storm when he became the MLS’ highest ever paid player after singing for the Los Angeles Galaxy. This showcased the power of “Brand Beckham” as he thrusted the provincial American league into a worldwide brand.
Fitting that while playing in LA that Beckham had a two loan spells in Milan. Almost like the fashion elders demanded Beckham to be exhibited as one of their own.
Now as he takes the French league by storm for PSG, he has launched his own clothing brand backed by H&M. With a particularly raunchy advertising campaign which has women and men blushing.
So it’s only apt that Beckham will now be strutting his stuff along the Champs-Élysées and having coffee with Victoria in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. So brand Beckham really is the property of the fashion capitals.
Created in London, polished by Milan, and finished by Paris. We salute you, Becks.