You can’t get more traditionally British than the iconic fashion house Burberry. A brand that prides itself on the heritage of its iconic clothes, accessories and fragrances. When you think of Burberry the image of the traditional trench and the trademark check print used within the majority of each garments linings. In keeping with this British tradition, Burberry has used a number of British icons and stars to represent the brand in photo shoots and promotions. People like Emma Watson, Eddie Redmayne and Poppy and Cara Delevingne are all British models/actors with significant standing within the fashion industry. So it is no surprise when you consider Burberry’s latest addition to the long line of stylish individuals. Romeo Beckham is the new face of Burberry, and considering he is the second born of David and Victoria Beckham is it any wonder he inherited the fashion and modelling genes.
Editorial
We should have known this move was in the pipe line when the entire male Beckham clan turned up at the Viva Forever musical premiere looking dapper in head-to-toe Burberry. Here at MFM we consider David Beckham a style icon and constantly look to him for inspiration, and now there is another Beckham boy to add to the fold of fashionable influence. Did we forget to mention that he is only ten years old? Still only a boy, Romeo has already proven himself a mini style icon already with his own sense of style and personal taste. We think that having Victoria Beckham who has built her own fashion empire as a role model and mother is a particular advantage in the field of fashion. For someone so young to already have his own sense of style could put many of us to shame, he isn’t afraid to try new things and is constantly seen in outfits that are stylish and well put together.
In the Mario Testino shot Burberry SS13 campaign he is the epitome of style, donning the traditional beige trench and signature umbrella then completely working it out in a purple trench to show the youth that Burberry still retains. This is yet another celebrity first from Burberry and they continue to show that they really are ahead of the game in terms of advertising and their choice of celebrities for promotional purposes.
Backlash
However this move has come up against some backlash from certain people in the fashion industry. Alexandra Schulman the editor-in-chief of British Vogue tweeted “Romeo Beckham @Burberry doesn’t meet Vogue model health initiative criteria of over 16’s only.” In response model Edie Campbell, who appears alongside Romeo in the ads tweeted “what about features on – e.g. – [15-year-old] Chloe Moretz?” Schulman then fired back “Pre model health initiative rule but child actors probably in a different category.”
So is it likely that Romeo’s Burberry campaign will be banned from the pages of Vogue? Not exactly; Schulman later went on to clarify that the ban only applied to the pages of the magazine saying “we don’t control runways or advertising.” Schulman was of course referring to the Health Initiative launched May of 2012, which is a pact between 19 international editors of Vogue to encourage a healthier approach to body image within the industry. 10 year old Romeo therefore, could not be considered for an editorial shoot in the magazine, but that means that Vogue may still be running the campaign in which he stars.
While age may be an issue, we feel that David and Victoria have Romeo’s best interests at the forefront of their minds. This campaign may even be a one off for the mini Beckham boy, but it gives him a chance to stand alone in the spotlight even if it is only for a short time. But he definitely proves himself a fashion icon in his own right, and puts him in good stead for a potential modelling career in the future. He wears Burberry well, and carries himself with the confidence of an already seasoned adult. We are understandably impressed with him, and slightly surprised that we are now coveting a trench coat worn by someone who was born in 2002. It just goes to show the power of style and advertising.
So what do you think of Romeo fronting the latest Burberry campaign?
Let us know in the comments below.
