In Focus

As the camera flashes go off, and the crowd waits patiently, David Beckham is listening intently to my story. A story about a cross-country road trip taken decades ago.

An approachable and engaging host with his guests, the global soccer star and style icon is here at an event in Milan’s stunning Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II during men’s Fashion Week with a group of journalists and retailers from around the world.

The occasion? The debut of the DB Eyewear by David Beckham men’s collection from Safilo.

The range of styles on display are cool and classic—notably on brand with Beckham’s global image and style leanings.

Launching in May to the optical market, and debuting at Vision Expo East in New York this month, the collection includes sunwear and optical styles in lightweight materials with mineral, polarized, or photochromic lenses. Silhouettes are classically cool London-meets-street style and hues include warm havana and iconic galvanized metals.

The newly created DB talisman, inspired by power, protection, and freedom, is a detail that distinctively marks all styles on the arms of the eyewear, along with the DB monogram lasered on lenses.

Designed in Italy as a close collaboration between Beckham and the Safilo design team, the result is a collection that fills a distinct need (style and price) in the men’s optical market.

And, Beckham’s celebrity and collaborations only continue to grow, further bolstering his focus in the fashion world.

Here, Beckham chats with EB to share personal details on everything from his new men’s collection with Safilo to what’s on tap for him in 2020.

EB: Why was it the right time for eyewear?

DAVID BECKHAM: Eyewear has always been a category that I have wanted to explore and I felt Safilo was the right partner to work with.

EB: Why did you choose Safilo as a partner?

DB: I am very lucky to work with the incredible team at Safilo. Since the start of the collaboration, I haven’t wanted to change a thing, which is a sign I am working with good people who share my vision. I like people that pay attention to every detail, just as I do...I want every detail to be perfect.

EB: How were you involved in the creative process?

DB: Whenever I partner with a brand, I am very involved. When we were designing the unique elements like the DB monogram and the talisman, we had long discussions to get them just right.

EB: What inspired you when creating this collection?

DB: Many things inspired me—I love glasses and have collected many over the years. I went through the Safilo archive, looked at pictures of lots of styles and also visited vintage shops...Steve McQueen and Paul Newman were a couple of my style inspirations, too.

EB: What’s next for you this year?

DB: I was excited for this launch of my eyewear but also this year will be the first season for Inter Miami CF, which will be a big moment for me—it’s taken seven years to get to this moment. When that first kick of a ball happens on the 14th of March in Miami, it will be a dream come true.