Becks' boy having fashion fun

To most 8-year-old boys, the idea of a sartorial dilemma is whether or not to change tops after a Heinz spaghetti spillage.

Spare a thought, therefore, for Romeo Beckham, who must now get up every morning knowing that he has to live up to his billing as one of Britain's best-dressed "men".

The blond-haired middle son of David and Victoria, who is 4ft 2in tall, was this week unveiled by GQ magazine as Britain's 26th most fashion-forward male, ahead of Prince William and Jude Law.

The promotion of a primary school pupil, albeit one who is the offspring of two of the planet's most closely-watched trendsetters, is the latest manifestation of the transformation of celebrity offspring into sartorial innovators - and even mini-brands - in their own right.

GQ described Romeo as "frighteningly tuned-in".

And experts seemed united in their belief that the Los Angeles-based schoolboy epitomises tot chic in a way that owes nothing to his famously tattooed father (who for the moment is spared the humiliation of being out-dressed by his son by coming 16th in the GQ list).

David Walker-Smith, director of menswear at Selfridges, told the magazine:"[Romeo] is experimental, quirky and fun, and his style has nothing mini-me about it. It's me-me."

The other Beckham boys - Brooklyn, 11, and Cruz, 4 - are no strangers to red carpets or magazine stands but Romeo has always been keenest to shrug off the California schoolboy uniform of shorts, T-shirt and trainers in favour of tailored suits, bow ties, and camel coats to match Dad's, as well as a range of hats and accessories.

In 2009, Victoria Beckham revealed just how fixated on fashion he had become. "We had dinner last night and Romeo wore a suit with a little shirt and tie. That's what he would wear every single day, he's so into fashion."

In September, it was reported Romeo planned to launch his own range of sunglasses, to be called RB, as part of his mother's growing fashion label, VB.

CELEBRITY COUTURE CUBS

Lourdes Leon
Madonna's 14-year-old daughter has collaborated on a clothing line, Material Girl, inspired by Madonna's early videos. "Lola" also blogs on the website, gives advice and asks what colour she should dye her hair.

Willow Smith
Signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, the daughter of Will Smith had a chart hit last month with Whip My Hair. In the video, Smith jnr, 10, sports colourful get-ups, scary nail art and lip jewellery.

Arlo Weiner
Who could have fathered this dapper 10-year-old but Matthew Weiner, creator of television's most stylish show, Mad Men? With a penchant for bow ties and velvet suits, Arlo already has a gig as a GQ style correspondent.

Suri Cruise
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter has websites devoted to her style. The 4-year-old sports lipstick, nail polish and high heels, to the dismay of some parents.

- INDEPENDENT