It’s not every day you get to sit in David Beckham’s library (well, a replica created in the middle of One Marylebone Place) and chat to him about his family, his beauty regime and his passions, but that’s exactly what we did to celebrate his ten years in the fragrance industry. Ten million bottles sold later, Instinct is one of the highest selling celebrity fragrances of all time. So what makes David, David? Find out…
What women’s scent makes you turn your head?
Straight to it! That’s put me on the spot. My gran actually used to wear this Givenchy perfume and whenever I smell it, it still takes me back to when I was 10/11 years old. It’s just that one fragrance she always wore – she never wore anything else apart from that. It takes me back to happy times.
What was the first aftershave you wore on a date?
At 7 years old I used to go to my grandad’s flat in London and take some of his from the cabinet. I thought he knew nothing about it but obviously the bottle was going down – but that was kind of my first fragrance that I used and then when I was slightly older I liked cool water. And then eternity… those were the three. I definitely wasn’t dating at 7 years old but by the time cool water came around I was definitely dating.
Do you ever borrow Victoria’s beauty products?
I used a couple La Prairie products that I like but she uses a lot of Dr Lancer stuff - so that’s my go to when she’s not looking. Why get your own when she’s got a whole cabinet full of it!
What’s been your favourite part about working in the fragrance industry for the past ten years?
Seeing the evolution of what we’ve created, from the first one to the latest one it’s kind of like times change. The whole experience of being part of the fragrance world has taken me into a different phase. someone just asked me did I have a nosing session – but I didn’t really need to because every time we sat down to discuss the new fragrance we went through the notes that I enjoy because I think that’s what’s kept it fresh and interesting for people. I don't just stand here and say ‘this is what I love’ because it’s what people want to hear, I say it because I mean it. To be number one celebrity fragrance is something that I know we’re all proud of.
What do you want to be your legacy?
Obviously I’ve been successful on the field and it’s what’s led to me being successful off the field. I just want people to look back on me in my career as a hard worker and obviously successful with the teams that I’ve been with. Off the field, I want people to see that I’ve made a difference in some way; whether that's with the football club we’re creating in Miami, the business side of things or more importantly the stuff that I do with UNICEF and the 7 fund we’ve created, I just want to make a difference. Some people turn round to me and say “don’t you want to be a manager? A coach?” The thing that I’m most passionate about is the charity work I’ve done with UNICEF over the last ten years. We’ve also just agreed to do another ten years with the 7 fund.
What advice about women do you pass onto your sons?
My eldest son is 16 so probably a couple of years ago he found out that he liked the idea of girls and dating. My advice to my kids is always be polite, be a gentleman. It’s always important to make women feel special, whether you make them dinner or open a door. It’s the simple things that not every man does and hopefully they’ll do that.
Do your children keep you on your toes? Keep you young?
Actually, the other day I stopped to get a snack for the kids just before picking them up at school and I had a cap on and I didn't think anyone would recognize me, but this guy was like “is that you David? You look really old!” But, having 4 kids, doing everything that I do with them, that keeps me young… and tired at times! They’re my life though, they’re my biggest achievement. To have the family and children that I have, well-mannered children, that’s my biggest achievement.
Is running after them how you keep in shape then, or do you go to the gym?
I actually don't work out that much. When I was on Graham Norton the other night he was about to ask a question and then turned to the crowd and said “you’re all going to hate this because he doesn’t work out at all!” I’ve just discovered yoga though, which I stayed away from for a number of years because I was never that great at it, but I’m kind of getting into it now. Everyone knows that I love the Soul Cycle in America too.
