Jay-Z, Beckham on best-dressed list

Jay-Z and David Beckham are both near the top of Esquire magazine's fourth yearly list of the Best Dressed Men in the World.

The poll was topped by Tom Brady, an American Football player for the New England Patriots. Brady told USA Today: "I am honoured to be chosen. But as much as I enjoy dressing fashionably, this time of year I care a lot more about how I look on the field than off it."

Describing the quarterback, the men's magazine said: "He's managed to learn to keep it simple. He's got a tailor who makes his clothes fit really well, and he always looks like he's put a little thought into [his dress]."

Rapper Jay-Z came second in the poll and was given a lifetime achievement award for his continuing contributions to the world of fashion. The hip-hop star follows in the footsteps of fellow musicians Pharrell Williams and Andre 3000 who have topped the list in recent years.

An unusual addition to the list was Pope Benedict XVI, who was named the "accessoriser of the year" for wearing some red leather loafers.