To most eight-year-old boys, the idea of a sartorial dilemma is whether or not to change tops after a Heinz spaghetti spillage. Spare a thought, therefore, for Romeo Beckham, who must now get up every morning knowing that he has to live up to his billing as one of Britain's best-dressed "men".
The blond-haired middle son of David and Victoria, who is 4ft 2in tall, will this week be unveiled by GQ magazine as the country's 26th most fashion-forward male, ahead of Prince William and Jude Law.
The promotion of a primary school pupil, albeit one who is the offspring of two of the planet's most closely-watched trendsetters, is the latest manifestation of the transformation of celebrity offspring into sartorial innovators – and even mini-brands – in their own right. GQ described Romeo as "frighteningly tuned-in".
The other Beckham boys – Brooklyn, 11, and Cruz, four – are no strangers to red carpets or magazine stands but Romeo has always been keenest to shrug off the California schoolboy uniform of shorts, T-shirt and trainers in favour of tailored suits, bow ties, and camel coats to match Dad's, as well as a range of hats and accessories. In 2009, Victoria Beckham revealed just how fixated on fashion he had become. "We had dinner last night and Romeo wore a suit with a little shirt and tie. That's what he would wear every single day, he's so into fashion," she told Harper's Bazaar.
"The other boys are all about going to the beach; he's not interested. He's like, 'I want to go to work with mummy,' and he sits there going through the collection, feeling the fabrics, giving his opinion. He loves it."
Last September, it was reported Romeo planned to launch his own range of sunglasses, to be called RB, as part of his mother's increasingly successful fashion label, VB. A source told the Daily Mirror: "He has strong opinions on what works and what doesn't, and has been badgering David and Victoria for months about designing his own sunglasses."
Other pint-sized trendsetters include Suri Cruise, the three-year-old daughter of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, who is reputed to have a wardrobe worth £2m and is the source of what retailers call the "Suri effect". Debenhams estimated that parents now spend up to £357 per season on boys and £427 on girls to ensure they "keep up with the Cruises".
But there is another way. Prince Harry comfortably beat his older brother by taking fifth place in the list (William ranked a place below Romeo at 27) because, say GQ's experts, he "looks good because he really doesn't care".
Actor Aaron Johnson, 20, who last year fathered a baby with his fiancee, the director, Sam Taylor-Wood, topped the list of 50 men.
Questions over Beckham's Spurs moveSport, back page
CELEBRITY COUTURE CUBS
Lourdes Leon
Madonna's 14-year-old daughter has collaborated on a clothing line, Material Girl, inspired by Madonna's early videos. "Lola" also blogs on the website, gives advice and asks what colour she should dye her hair.
Willow Smith
Signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, the daughter of Will Smith had a chart hit last month with "Whip My Hair". In the video, Smith Jnr, 10, sports colourful get-ups, scary nail art and lip jewellery.
Arlo Weiner
Who could have fathered this dapper 10-year-old but Matthew Weiner, creator of television's most stylish show, Mad Men? With a penchant for bow ties and velvet suits, Arlo already has a gig as a GQ style correspondent.
Suri Cruise
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes's daughter has websites devoted to her style. The four-year-old sports lipstick, nail polish and high heels, to the consternation of some parents' groups.
Tavi Gevinson
The 13-year-old US fashion blogger is a fixture on the front row and has been in Vogue. Her wacky outfits and precocious musings have won her fans including Karl Lagerfeld.
No comments:
Post a Comment