Two women and one man standing at a table with photos on it
Leading up to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, fashion design students from VCUarts Qatar enjoyed presenting their sports-inspired apparel designs to former England captain and World Cup ambassador David Beckham during his visit to campus. (VCUarts Qatar)

Oct. 25, 2022

VCUarts Qatar welcomes David Beckham

Fashion and soccer icon visits campus to view students’ creations inspired by the upcoming World Cup.

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By VCU News staff

As Qatar gears up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup next month, VCUarts Qatar’s fashion design students are garnering attention for designing new apparel inspired by sport and movement within Qatar’s cultural context.

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Amir Berbic, dean of VCUarts Qatar, (left) welcomes David Beckham to meet fashion design students and hear about their sports-inspired designs. (VCUarts Qatar)

As part of the celebration of sports attire and the World Cup countdown, the campus hosted former England captain and World Cup ambassador David Beckham earlier this month to view the students’ presentations on their sports-inspired creations. Beckham — himself a dapper dresser, known as much for his style off the field as his play on it — was interested in the student's innovation, inspiration and design process.

“Our students are responding to the current excitement of the upcoming FiFA World Cup 2022 games and have designed a collection of sports-inspired clothing unique to the culture and fashion of the region in celebration of the World Cup,” said Chris Fink, chair of the fashion department.

Some of the designs incorporate nanotechnology while others use fabric that captures Vitamin D. Seven of the 14 designs presented will be made into prototypes and showcased during the World Cup.

This year’s World Cup takes place Nov. 20 through Dec. 18 and will feature 32 teams from five confederations competing in 64 matches.