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Go into any newsagent and pick up a glossy mag aimed at women; you are likely to find celebrity splattered pages of fashion statements, disasters and downright dullness. In fact, go into any newsagent and pick up a mag aimed at men, you will find the same thing; celebrity endorsed accessories and outfits. Some fashions would never see the light of day if they hadn’t been seen on David Beckham or Jennifer Lopez. The red carpet is the perfect place for designers to promote their latest designs and to influence the high street fashion of the coming season. From silk dresses to diamond encrusted chokers, the fashions we choose are dictated by the not so subtle pulp of the printers.

David Beckham is a one man walking endorsement for designer labels. I’m sure it is under the unrelenting pressure of his fashion obsessed wife, but the bloke has promoted everything from Police sunglasses to Dolce and Gabbana pants. The influence of his celebrity status means that if he’s seen with a Tesco flannel on his head, rest assured everyone in the world will be wearing the ‘flannelette hat’ the following week. Ok, I exaggerate slightly, but he did manage to make the sarong a fashion choice for men; burly white British men at that, that is quite a feat! What he is probably most famed for however is the introduction of the diamond stud into the range of acceptable attire for men.

You would be innocently mistaken if you thought I was referring to football studs, as Mr. Beckham is obviously as famed for his football as he is his fashion. And of course, a diamond is hard as Vinny Jones and would probably make for a rather effective and equally flamboyant football boot accessory. The notion of a diamond studs for football boots would also fit into the crazy paradigm that Posh and Becks choose to live; a place where it’s not unlikely that unicorn pelt is used to polish the family silver. Alas, such decadence is yet to manifest, I am just talking of the humble diamond stud earring.

It did make quite a tabloid splash though, and it was not long before Golden Balls himself had inspired a generation of young boys, ageing men, rap stars and rockers to wear a sparkler in the lobe. Justin Timberlake, Michael Jordan, P Diddy, Fify cent and Ten Bob (Okay, I made that last one up) have all been seen with a 9 carat stone set in 24 carat white gold; that’s more carats than Bugs Bunny can quaff in a week! This fashion fad was neither a flop nor a faux pas, and has remained acceptable attire; despite gaining the undivided attention of boys who sport Burberry caps and shell suits. As a super successful football star, it is not surprising that Beckham has such unwavering influence over the youth of today, and we should all be glad that his wife is in charge of his wardrobe or it could be socks and sandals from dusk till dawn.

It is without a doubt that David has got his finger on the collective pulse when it comes to fashionable attire. Regardless of whether it’s the missus with the good taste, there is no disputing that the high street is taking its style tips from the wonder-boy’s wardrobe. The rails of River Island and Top Man look like they have been stripped directly from the closets of Beckingham Palace; thank the fashion gods that they’ve left those family jewels alone!

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the jewellery and fashion industry.
Find out more about diamond studs and see the styles the stars choose at Diamond Manufacturers.