Wear it like Beckham .... style icon is UK’s fashion ambassador

FORMER England captain David Beckham has been signed up for a new role – as ambassadorial president of the British Fashion Council.

Beckham, 43, will be responsible for raising the global profile of the UK fashion industry, especially in America and Asia.

David, married to clothes designer Victoria, is a style icon in his own right, once being spotted wearing a sarong on a romantic night out.

In 2007 he modelled his own underwear line. And back in 1998 he was named most stylish man of the year by men’s fashion magazine GQ.

Excited

He now has a line of fragrances and is a business partner with British menswear company Kent & Curwen.

He said: “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 (BFC) to promote and inspire young talent.

“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.” Beckham will lend his support to BFC-run Saturday Clubs, where young people can study fashion, and look for scholarships and apprenticeships.

BFC chairwoman Stephanie Phair said the organisation was thrilled at Beckham’s appointment. She said: “We identified the need for a figurehead, with global reach, who is able to shine a light on our incredible British fashion talent and ensure we build and create energy for the British fashion economy – and David is perfectly placed to help us do this.”

Beckham may prove more of an inspiration to his three sons as a fashion icon than as a footballer. He said he was heartbroken that Brooklyn, 19, Romeo, 15, and Cruz, 13, have all shunned the game with only daughter Harper, six, taking to the pitch.

Beckham told Graham Norton on his TV show: “Harper is playing every Sunday and loves it. The boys don’t play and it’s heartbreaking. They have a talent, but it’s down to Harper now. I get very enthusiastic when watching her.”

A clue to her enthusiasm? Harper’s middle name is Seven, the number worn by David when he played for Manchester United.

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