Safilo’s David Pearson and Amber O’Shaughnessy in DB Eyewear

From football hero to global style icon, UNICEF ambassador to family man, the multi-faceted brand David Beckham juggernaut has launched fragrance, skincare and now, eyewear.

Distilling the Brand Beckham essence into optical frames and sunglasses has been the job of Safilo, whose Italian-based design team worked hand-in-hand with the man himself to ensure every piece says what it needs to say. Beckham has placed his trust in the global eyewear giant, signing a ten-year deal for DB Eyewear. He wasn’t, however, happy with the first prototype.

“His name was initially etched along the top of the frame, with replicas of his tattoos running alongside the inside of the arms. He didn’t like it. He thought it was too over-the-top and wanted a more subtle design, hence the talisman and DB monogram details that now appear on the frames,” said Safilo’s Asia-Pacific brand manager Amber O’Shaughnessy.

The talisman is an elongated diamond shape, an adaptation of the angel wing tattoos on the back of Beckham’s neck, which links the frame face and arm on both sides of all pieces. Like Tom Ford’s ‘T’, it’s the distinctive lug that will prompt instant DB Eyewear recognition. The monogram DB was created as a more subtle, elegant stamp to replace the full David Beckham name and features in gold on the temple tips, as well as etched being in the upper corner of the right lens.

There are two collections - one classic, one glamorous: Timeless Icons and Style Pioneer. Each has over 35 frames and features optical and sun. Fine metal circular styles and half rims in silver and gold sit alongside heavy Wayfarer-esque acetates in tortoiseshell browns and black, with various takes on the aviator a predictable part of the range.

Beckham’s love of motorcycling is evident and should prove a masculinity magnet to male buyers who share the thrill of the open road. He wanted frames he could easily put on and off under his motorbike helmet and that added extra protection against the wind and elements, hence the rounded side eye cups that feature on several of the styles.

At the Australasian launch event held at Safilo’s Sydney HQ in early February, A-league football stars strained to keep their cool as they swapped frames, viewing mirrors, close up photos and compliments about the range. Sydney’s cool young bloggers, vloggers and Insta pros nodded and pouted their approvals, while optical experts applauded not only the craftsmanship but the sizing, fit (of which there are several Asian fit options) and various lens choices made.

The size and style of a handful of the frames make them undoubtedly unisex, such as the DB1015J5G Safilo’s area manager Linda Mian is pictured in here.

The timeless appeal of Beckham among people of all ages in all corners of the world has been translated into eyewear beautifully, with a collection that echoes his integrity, humility and exquisite style. Back of the net, DB Eyewear.

DB Eyewear will be distributed in New Zealand by Black Eyewear.