When I found out I was flying out to Doha to meet with David Beckham I was, as you might expect, excited. I was also very confused.
What do you ask someone who has had such a long, successful career as a footballer, who has been a fixture of pop culture across the world for decades and who has had an incredibly successful second act as an entrepreneur and fashion icon.
To figure out what I might ask him, on the flight over from Dubai, I popped on some podcasts he’d be on.
A few hours later I met the man himself at a seaside resort outside Doha, for the launch of his new collection of sunglasses. I waited my turn for a photo and when I got to his side I said.
“I hear you love jellied eels.”
Becks was perplexed. Writing it now, it is a deeply weird thing to say to someone. I explained the source of my knowledge. I asked if it was weird for him at all to think about how far he has come, from a kid in East London loving his gran’s jellied eel and mash, to promoting his own sunglasses brand half-way across the world in Qatar.
Does he ever think it’s all just weird?
“Not at all,” he said, telling me he felt at home in both settings. Adding swiftly that his last meal on this earth would be jellied eel, no contest.
As for the glasses themselves, they’re created in collaboration with leading luxury eyewear manufacturer Safilo in Italy. The collections are inspired by Beckham’s own passions, from motorcycles to travel.
“My own style journey has taught me the power of simplicity and the importance of detail and craftsmanship,” says Beckham.
During the presentation in Doha celebrating the new collection of Eyewear by David Beckham, I was struck by a particular moment when he thanked a departing employee who had helped him develop the brand. He seemed genuinely moved – as was the colleague – and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
It’s clear that with this product line, Beckham isn’t just popping his name on a product and walking away. Having been England captain for so long, it looks like he’s picked up a few things about leadership, as well as style.
Eyewear by David Beckham is available at Magrabi. Starting price AED780.