From the Red Carpet to the Race Track, Odell Beckham Jr. Brings Heart & High Style to the French Riviera
As the stars descended upon the French Riviera for a weekend defined by luxury, legacy, and high-octane glamour, one figure stood apart — not just for what he wore, but for what he stood for.
NFL wide receiver and cultural tastemaker Odell Beckham Jr. took the South of France by storm during the 2025 Grand Prix weekend, gracing the red carpet at the amfAR Gala Cannes and the paddock at F1 Monaco, along with hosting a purpose-driven event of his own: FRI&NDS, a philanthropic platform and creative collective founded by Beckham to uplift underserved artists and inspire meaningful connection.
From the grand ballrooms of Cannes to the shimmering harbor of Monte-Carlo, Beckham seamlessly fused style, culture, and philanthropy in a way only he could — establishing himself not just as an athlete and style icon, but as a visionary cultural force — and taking GRAZIA USA exclusively along for the ride with him. Red Carpet Royalty at the amfAR Gala Cannes
On the eve of the Formula 1 festivities, OBJ stepped onto one of the world's most prestigious red carpets at the amfAR Gala Cannes — a star-studded charity event that has become synonymous with Hollywood glamour and high-profile giving. Beckham wore a custom black and grey checkered Matty Boy suit, hand-crafted for the occasion.
'It's just the time and period where I'm at in my life, it's just being myself, and being comfortable with me,' Beckham tells GRAZIA on the carpet, when asked what his inspiration was behind choosing this look. 'Matty Boy is a good friend of mine, so I wanted to put on something from him.' CAP D'ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 22: Odell Beckham Jr. onstage during the amfAR gala Cannes 2025 presented by Chopard at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2025 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
For Beckham, arriving on the red carpet is all about savoring the moment. '[There is] no ritual,' he admits. 'Just be me. Feel good, look good, enjoy yourself, understand life is short, and then, you know, move accordingly.'
His look was both personal and powerful, representing his evolution from football legend to full-fledged fashion mainstay. Yet, as stylish as he appeared, Beckham's mindset remained rooted in something deeper. 'Just to have a good time. Just to be able to actually live life, breathe. You know what I mean?' he continues. 'I feel like a lot of us, we just, we're walking and walking, but we're not living. So tonight's just about living.' Introducing FRI&NDS: From the Field to the Frontlines of Culture Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
Beckham's cultural imprint goes far beyond football. With the launch of his FRI&NDS event series earlier this year, he's created a platform that marries experience with purpose. First unveiled in New Orleans during Super Bowl weekend, the debut event featured a high school marching band, pop-up art exhibits, and surprise performances by Chance the Rapper and Shaboozey — transforming Super Bowl festivities into a cultural summit.
'For me, FRI&NDS got started because I feel like I've always just been one to try and elevate all the people around me,' Beckham explains to GRAZIA . 'I know a lot of upcoming talent doesn't necessarily get the place where they could be recognized and be appreciated because [of] more of the bigger names. I live by the quote, 'It's not about getting to the top of the mountain, but how many people you bring with you.''
The idea took root in Beckham's personal experiences and sense of responsibility. 'It's just where I've come to as a person, learning through all of your mistakes… being in a place of full acceptance of who I am. Just knowing that about me, just where I'm at, it just seemed like there was no better time than now to start that.' FRI&NDS Monaco: A Night Where Prestige and Purpose Collide
Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
Fast-forward to the French Riviera, and Beckham chose Monaco for his second FRI&NDS installment — a choice rooted in love for the place and the moment. 'This [Monaco] is one of my favorite places I've been to in the world yet so far,' he lets GRAZIA in on. 'And the Grand Prix is just something that I've loved, and especially here.'
Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
The invitation-only yacht soirée brought together athletes, creatives, and visionaries from all walks of life. From Devin Booker to Chanel Iman, the guest list read like a who's who of modern culture. But what set the event apart was its soul. It was more than just a party; it was a manifesto.
Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
The evening featured a riveting art exhibition curated by Lisbon's Underdogs Gallery and hosted by the globally acclaimed artist Vhils, known for his 'creative destruction' style of street art. In partnership with Beckham, Vhils unveiled a one-of-a-kind concrete artwork that was auctioned during the night. Proceeds supported Iminente's Bairros Project — empowering underserved Portuguese communities through art, education, and social integration.
Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
Adding to the cultural immersion, the exclusive evening featured live performances from DJ and producer HoneyLuv and genre-bending DJ duo Paperwater. Guests were also treated to complimentary tattoo sessions by Spanish concept artist Fran Dmenchi of Ganga Tattoo — blending body art, music, and fashion into an unforgettable celebration of identity and creativity. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
The man of the hour personally sat down with GRAZIA during the evening, giving us an exclusive inside look into how FRI&NDS started and what he hopes the future holds. When we asked Beckham what he hopes his son — his purpose, pride, and joy — might one day see when looking back on the Monaco event, he reflects saying, 'Just people enjoying themselves; just understanding that life is short and we have an opportunity to be blessed to do what we're doing and be here.' OBJ's Style, Philosophy, and the Power of Presence Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
Throughout the weekend across the South of France, Beckham's style was as intentional as his mission. From sharp tailoring to breezy Riviera looks, he balanced elegance with edge.
'You got to go with more elevated looks — more of the boaty, summer, South of France vibe,' he explains. But no matter the setting, he doesn't bend to trends. 'For me, I think it's a lot about being yourself, not trying to fit somebody else's mold or dress like anybody else. Just being yourself, being confident and comfortable with what you're wearing.'
When asked to name his style icon, he grinned. 'I'm going to just go with myself, you know what I mean? And everybody else, I love the things they're doing, but I'm good with me,' he says with confidence. 'Do your own thing.' OBJ's Monaco in Motion: A GRAZIA -Exclusive Fashion Photo Diary
From tailored suiting to Riviera-ready resortwear, Odell Beckham Jr.'s Monaco wardrobe was a masterclass in elevated menswear. Whether stepping onto the red carpet at Cannes or hosting his own yacht party, Beckham continued to blend effortless cool with sartorial precision.
GRAZIA' s exclusive fashion photo diary with Beckham offers a visual deep-dive into his weekend's standout fashion moments, with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the styling and signature looks that made him one of the best-dressed on the Côte d'Azur. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; Custom suiting. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr. Custom suiting. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; Chrome Hearts hat; Saint Mxxxxxx shirt; Balenciaga pants. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; *Better with Age hat; Bottega Veneta sunglasses; Samuel Zelig shirt. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; *Better with Age hat; Bottega Veneta sunglasses; Samuel Zelig shirt; Saint Mxxxxxx socks; Mattias Gollin shoes. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; *Better with Age hat; *Better with Age shirt; Birth Of Royal Child track set; 424 boots. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; *Better with Age shirt; Birth Of Royal Child track set. Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.; *Better with Age shirt; Birth Of Royal Child track set; 424 boots. Fatherhood, Legacy, and the Rebirth of Odell Beckham Jr.
OBJ's recent years have marked a personal evolution. From Super Bowl champion to entrepreneur and father, he has arrived at what he calls a 'rebirth.'
'The biggest shift in my life? Definitely just the rebirth, what I would call it, of myself,' he explains. 'The things that I've been through to now know exactly who I am, where I'm at. And again, obviously, one of the biggest things for me is my son. He's changed my life in ways that I could never imagine.'
Reflecting on everything he's experienced — and the values that continue to shape his journey — Beckham offers a life mantra without hesitation: 'It's not about getting to the top of the mountain, it's about how many people you bring with you,' he reiterates to GRAZIA . 'Just uplifting other people, bringing them to their truest selves and just living life to the fullest.' The Legacy in Motion Photo courtesy of Odell Beckham Jr.
Odell Beckham Jr. may have entered the international spotlight for his athleticism, but in the South of France, he reaffirmed that his impact stretches far beyond the gridiron. As Beckham continues to move with clarity, intention, and fire, his path forward feels not just bright but historic.
'Just be yourself, love yourself, and find true happiness in this lifetime.' —Odell Beckham Jr.
Through FRI&NDS, he's elevating creativity, community, and cultural consciousness — and dressing in high style while doing so.
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Grazia USA
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