David Beckham on why he 'jumped at the chance' to shoot with renowned fashion photographer David Bailey

While Beckham was on his best behaviour, East London-born Bailey was typically straight-talking
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Charlie Teather13 June 2017

One of the most well-known men in the world, David Beckham has long been best known for his expertise on the football pitch.

More recently, however, he has become a well-regarded figure within the British fashion industry, co-owning heritage sportswear brand Kent & Curwen and starring in campaigns for the likes of Armani, Belstaff, adidas and H&M.

But while many idolise the 42-year-old, he is not immune to feeling star-struck himself.

Speaking of his latest shoot - a cover story for Italian magazine L'Uomo Vogue - where he was photographed by renowned fashion photographer David Bailey, Beckham admitted that he "jumped at the chance".

"Bailey is such an icon so to be able to work with him for the first time was a dream."

"It was a very special day. I’ve worked with a lot of great photographers but his was one of the first shoots when I’ve not even asked to see a Polaroid because I respect him so much."

David Beckham - in pictures

Wimbledon 2021 - Day Eleven - The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club
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But while Beckham was on his best behaviour in front of the iconic photographer, East London-born Bailey was typically straight-talking.

"He didn’t give me a bit of banter - he gave me a lot of banter! I dropped the kids off at school and drove to his studio, walked in and he was sat there having a coffee."

"He said: 'Come on here kid, come sit down. Now what do you want me to call you? David, Dave or'… something else which I probably shouldn’t say in a magazine"

"It was s***head!"

"So I said I honestly don’t mind what you call me. I’ve been called worse before. So he said 'Perfect! S***head it is then'."

"Later he turned around to me and said: 'I’m so glad you’re not a d***head'. Which is nice to know!"

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