DAVID BECKHAM
GQ South Africa|January/February 2020
Even in 1999, no one believed Manchester United’s historic treble season was the peak of his career. Twenty years (and multiple GQ covers) later, David Beckham has bought out his business partner and is building an empire to stand the test of time. For his ongoing projects in fashion, football and philanthropy, we commend the player who changed the game for everyone.
Dylan Jones
DAVID BECKHAM
IT WAS THE BABY OIL I REMEMBER MOST . We were in an old converted warehouse in Manchester, 2002, and David Beckham was almost naked. His fingernails were painted black, a fake leopardskin shawl was wrapped around his neck and his Dolce & Gabbana trunks were looking decidedly snug.

We were there to shoot him for the World Cup cover of British GQ. A small army of GQ image-mongers had been ferried up from London, while photographer David LaChapelle had flown in from Los Angeles to add some high-gloss camp to proceedings. Victoria and Brooklyn were at the shoot and I remember we had discussed in the office just how involved the former Spice Girl might get in the styling (making our Fashion Director, a nervous soul at the best of times, rather stressed). It wasn’t Victoria who interfered, though, it was David, who flicked his way through the rails of clothes as though he were a veteran buyer from Bloomingdale’s or Harrods, carefully picking out the things he wanted to wear.

He chose two outfits: one channelled David Bowie’s Thin White Duke, in a white Tom Ford suit and cream Lock & Co fedora; and in the other he appeared to invent a completely new stereotype, ‘butch hoolie’, in which LaChapelle photographed the England football star pumping iron while wearing only a pair of tight denim cutoffs and a thin layer of sweat – which is where the baby oil came in, poured over his body like liquid honey.

‘My style? It’s from another planet,’ he told his interlocutor that day, David Furnish.

This story is from the January/February 2020 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January/February 2020 edition of GQ South Africa.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM GQ SOUTH AFRICAView All
58 Do's and Dont's for Getting Dressed Right Now
GQ South Africa

58 Do's and Dont's for Getting Dressed Right Now

Is it ever OK to repeat outfits? Should your socks match your shoes? Are Henleys cool? GQ staffers weigh in on all the most pressing style questions of the day

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
A man of many talents
GQ South Africa

A man of many talents

Fhatuwani Mukheli is a true trailblazer, carving a unique path in his multifaceted career. His journey is captivating story, always evolving and filled with surprises

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
The man who doesn't play by the rule book
GQ South Africa

The man who doesn't play by the rule book

CEO of Red Rocket, Matteo Brambilla is aman onamission to improve big energy

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year
GQ South Africa

Mastering your money: Financial resolutions for the new year

Setting smart goals and resolutions for 2024 can help you achieve greater financial stability, reduce stress, and work towards the future you envision

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL
GQ South Africa

BUSINESS CLASS TRAVEL

YOU'D EXPECT NOTHING ELSE BUT COMFORT AND LUXURY FROM A RANGE ROVER OR LEXUS. A HYUNDAI NOT SO MUCH. SO WOULD THE STYLISH PALISADE PROVE A SURPRISE? OUR MOTORING ED DIETER LOSSKARN WAS KEEN TO FIND OUT...

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
The Italian Stallions
GQ South Africa

The Italian Stallions

Named after breathtaking Italian mountain pass roads Alfa's SUVs are not only but lots of fun to drive. GQ motoring ed Dieter Losskarn took the Tonale across South African mountain passes, and the Stelvio to De Hoop Nature Reserve attractive to look at, some spectacular

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
10 Perfect Summer Fragrances
GQ South Africa

10 Perfect Summer Fragrances

Whether you're heading to a beach party, a rooftop bar, or just a casual day out, here's a curated list of scents ideal for those hot summer months

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
An audience with a master perfumer
GQ South Africa

An audience with a master perfumer

Francis Kurkdjian, French perfumer and artistic director of Maison Francis Kurkdjian, shares the sources of inspiration and discoveries on his journey into the world of luxury fragrances

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024
CURATED SUMMER ESSENTIALS
GQ South Africa

CURATED SUMMER ESSENTIALS

Our Fashion Director Luke Diva shares his summer checklist, from refreshing cocktails to trendy wardrobe items

time-read
1 min  |
December 2023 - January 2024
Taste Makers
GQ South Africa

Taste Makers

The Marble Group the team behind three of Johannesburg’s top restaurants, Marble, Saint and Zioux take us on an urban adventure in dining

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2023 - January 2024