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It's a good thing that David Beckham's ObyO output is so strong, otherwise we'd be approaching it with the same furrowed brow he sported pitchside a week or so back. The fall/winter 2010 collection is outstanding, and the new colours of the Gazelle Vintage Mid reflect the focus on simple colours and premium materials. We never expected the DB ObyO to impress us like it has done since last summer. Tweaked Montreals, and later down the line, a spot of Torsion, plus some classy goose-down creations for the colder months makes for some of our favourite Originals output in recent years. Little can mess with the beauty of the DB Rod Laver (of you were lucky enough to grab a pair, we hope you took advantage of the hot weather's scope for frequent Laver outings), and the Gazelle Vintage Mid is another fine twist on a favourite. That's where this sub-range excels—giving some sacred cows a steroid injection that shouldn't appall puritans.

White, brown and a choice of burgundy or black for the uppers works effectively, even if they seem more suited to cooler weather than the more colourful variations that dropped earlier in the year. While these are barely Gazelles beyond the slim cut, heeltab and sole is beside the point. They do an increasingly ubiquitous look well, treading the smart-casual divide with a certain swagger. The moc toe invasion shows no signs of retreat. Anyone in Berlin for the twice-yearly BBB tradeshow festivities should be treated to a display of identikit chambray, chino and moc-toe mockeries on stand after stand, but these are a little stronger, even if they aren't the very best the line can offer—the impending Beckham "Beef-N-Broc" homage is, in our humble opinion, the line's true banger.

Theoretically, the Beckham line shouldn't get us hyped. Contrary to reports, he's no style guru. Sure, we respect the man's love of Metro Attitudes and vast marl grey trackpants, but the Superdry leather and Ed Hardy tee? We don't forget, David. The contribution from industry folk behind the scenes, particularly UNDFTD's James Bond is the real draw here. James seems to channel a curiously European approach to the adidas archive, dragging in some superior reference points and effortlessly creating new pieces. He overstands the market, and from accounts, Mr. Beckham is pretty sure of what he wants to convey. It's a strong partnership. Alongside some serious shoes from Kazuki and some big-name Tokyo buddies, these and other DB ObyO designs will be on sale the Crooked Tongues store next month...

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