David Beckham OBE has once again answered the call of his country. Today, the former England football captain and frequent saviour of the nation’s sporting hopes (who remembers his last-minute, World Cup-securing freekick against Greece?) has turned his attentions to the British fashion industry. While Victoria Beckham might, traditionally, be known for her fashion prowess (she did teach us to always choose the little Gucci dress, after all) while her 10-year-old eponymous brand continues to seduce even the harshest of critics, her husband David has had his fair share of iconic sartorial moments throughout the years. Sure, football is where he made his name, but over the last two decades, Becks has lent his hand (and name) to various fashion outings, including underwear, fragrances, grooming with House 99 and partnered with heritage brand Kent & Curwen. In accepting accepted the BFC’s newly created role of Ambassadorial President, Golden Balls is declaring his love official and cementing the Beckhams’ position as the first, and greatest, British fashion couple — especially as Victoria is set to bring her catwalk show home from New York to LFW celebrate her 10th anniversary in fashion.
“Taking on this new role is an incredibly proud moment for me,” Becks explained in a statement. “I have long been passionate about British style, fashion and craftsmanship and this role gives me the chance to get under the skin of an industry I love. I am excited to be working closely with the British Fashion Council to promote and inspire young talent, from across the UK, on a global scale. The fashion industry is one of our best performing global exports and I am looking forward to working with our future leaders and supporting the BFC in their global ambitions.” While the British fashion industry already contributes £29.7billion to the UK GDP, we only daydream as to where Becks’ fame, influence and passion could help guide it.
The global role will have an initial two-year tenure and will support the organisation in its goal to build networks and partnerships in the United States and Asia. Becks will work alongside the BFC team to help boost support for the British fashion industry on a global scale while raising the profile of emerging British fashion talent. In addition to promoting ongoing innovation in the sector, a key focus of the role will be supporting the BFC across their education pillar — helping them to reach young talent from all backgrounds across the UK — through BFC run Saturday Clubs, scholarships and apprenticeships and via increased engagement in arts education. As artists and designers alike fight back against the government’s decision to exclude art and creative subjects from the new Ebacc for secondary school children, the creative communities need a new hero. Cometh the hour, cometh the Beckham?