David Beckham and his fashion pals have taken a ribbing after it emerged clothes from their “British Heritage” range are made overseas.
Football hero Becks has famously modelled a string of Kent & Curwen outfits – including one inspired by TV’s gangster drama Peaky Blinders.
But buyers have taken to social media after labels showed some of the gear was made in China and Turkey.
Becks, 44, was brought in to be the face of the brand, to help design clothes and drive online sales. He signed a five-year global licensing agreement with Kent & Curwen in 2015.
The British Heritage menswear range has jumpers costing up to £350, sweat tops at £165 and T-shirts for £75.
The firm boasts of links to royalty and many tops feature the English red roses and three lions heraldic designs.
But buyers questioned just how British the brand is in a stream of online posts.
Craig Savage said: “Have to say… bought a piece in recent days and was really disappointed to find ‘Made in China’ label… gotta love a good old British carbon footprint.”
Ian Goguel added: “ Just checked my gear... IN TURKEY… disappointment isn’t the word.”
Another buyer asked: “So is any of this actually made in England? Absolutely no mention of the fact anywhere so I can’t see what English heritage there is here.”
A third message posted on the firm’s Facebook page said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if only the badge is made in Britain or England.”
Shopper Matt Motley said: “I have a few tops… they are made in Turkey.”
And another buyer chipped in: “C’mon let’s hear what Mr Beckham, has to say. Turkey, China but no mention of British.”
The fuss came in a bad week for Beckham, who saw his new soccer club Inter Miami lose its opening match 1-0.
Beckham, wife Victoria, 45, and son Brooklyn, 21, watched the game – joined by their TV chef pal Gordon Ramsay, 53.
The fashion firm was established in 1926 by Eric Kent and Dorothy Curwen.
Its website reads: “The company first began as a manufacturer of military, club, and college repp ties that helped define 20th century British style.
“In the 1930s, Kent & Curwen introduced the iconic cricket sweater and went on to be the supplier to major sporting events and clubs even finding its way across the Atlantic to outfit the Hollywood Cricket Club and Palm Springs Racquet Club.
“It wasn’t long before such royals as the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Kent were seen sporting Kent & Curwen.
“More than 50 years after the brand’s creation, the Three Lions Herald became Kent & Curwen’s registered trademark.
"An undeniable symbol of excellence used by King Richard, the logo made clear that the brand was as regal and distinguished as ever.”
The firm has a flagship store in London’s Covent Garden. Latest accounts show Trinity Brands UK Ltd – owner of Kent & Curwen – racked up £18million in debt over three years.
Neither Beckham nor the company responded to requests for comment.
