Zayn’s fashion cred is on the rise. In February he’ll reveal his vision for Versus Versace as the brand’s newest “rock star” designer, and today the musician debuts his line of shoes with Giuseppe Zanotti. Zayn and Zanotti met at Paris Fashion Week in 2015. “When I saw him, I said to myself: ‘He is a cool guy and the epitome of a modern rebel,’ “ said Mr. Zanotti, who knows a thing or two about finding creative provocateurs to work with. Don’t forget, Mr. Z calls Beyoncé a friend and client.
“I like to work with musicians because we share a very similar vision,” said Zanotti. “[Zayn and I] have always had an appreciation for one another, but it was during our first encounter in Paris that we realized we had a similar attitude and approach: iconic, edgy, and expressive. Zayn’s bold and individualistic vision, easy coolness, and love for fashion mean a lot to me.”
For Malik, the collaboration marks a slight shift in his direction from musician with style—and a stylish girlfriend in the form of Gigi Hadid—to style star in his own right. Here, the Londoner chats up Vogue.com about what inspired his shoes and his personal style rules.
How did the idea for a shoe collaboration with Giuseppe Zanotti come about?
When Mr. Zanotti and I first met at Paris Fashion Week last year we realized that even though what we each do, music and shoe design, could be seen as worlds apart, we had a lot in common in how we approach and style them. I like things which are a bit dark and weird, and Mr. Zanotti isn’t afraid to play with those elements either. The process of designing my collection has been really fun as a result!
Most of the shoes you designed together have a boot-like silhouette and come in neutral colors—why did you gravitate toward this style?
I wanted to mix up the iconic rock ’n’ roll styles like boots, which are quite hard, with organic colors. I think the mix makes them feel quite classic.
What were some of your inspirations for the designs?
I’m always sketching down ideas and designs. I draw and paint a lot, so when it came to the shoes, I think that the ideas were already in my mind, somewhere. It was just a matter of putting them together. I take influence from everything I see, and I think when you look at all of the things I make from music, my merchandise, and these shoes that they all have a darker aesthetic.
Your fashion star is rising with your Zanotti collaboration and your upcoming one with Versus Versace—why is fashion something you’re interested in pursuing?
Like I said earlier, I love to design and I can’t see that suddenly stopping! Fashion, like music, reaches everyone and has turned out to be another outlet for me. I’m so excited about learning from Mr. Zanotti and his team, plus Donatella Versace and her team.
What’s your personal style motto? How do you define your personal style?
I don’t think I have a motto really. For me fashion and style is very personal and rather than following trends I like to mix a few timeless pieces with whatever makes me feel good!
