Zayn Malik On Designing Sunglasses, His Fall Fashion Mood, and His Next Album

Since Zayn Malik welcomed his first child, daughter Khai, with Gigi Hadid in September last year, the star has been lying low and enjoying life as a new parent. But now he’s back in work mode with a slew of new exciting projects, including a fashion collaboration and a forthcoming album. First up, his collaboration with the eyewear company Arnette, which releases today. 

The line of optical styles features sleek basics and statement shapes, which take cues from (and are named after) retro cars. The streamlined “Gullwing” shades for instance—designed in a clear, rectangular shape—take cues from the Mercedes-Benz vehicle of the same name, while the round, pink “Drophead” shades reference the bold Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe. But the garage wasn’t Malik’s only influence. “The inspiration came from a couple different places,” Malik says. “Arnette really liked the album art from [my album] Nobody Is Listening, so there was a lot of inspiration taken from that. I was also really keen on giving the collection more of a retro ‘90s feel.”

Making the collection look and feel stylish was of course important to Malik, but a sustainability angle was equally important. The styles were all made using only bio-based materials, including all of the acetates and lenses. “It’s important for all of us to be mindful of the environment,” he says. 

This fall, Zayn says he’ll certainly be wearing his own shades, but for clothing, he’ll be experimenting with more of an edgy look. “I think the grunge look is sick. Very into that aesthetic at the moment,” he says. “For fall, I’ll also be wearing sportswear and smart-casual—jeans and tees.” As for brands he’s keeping an eye on, “I’m always open to working with pieces from new independent brands and designers,” he says. (In the past, he’s worn brands like Bode on the regular.)

When asked if he’s a collector of one thing in particular, Malik says he’s more democratic when it comes to shopping for his wardrobe. “I’m pretty particular when it comes to style, as I see it as a form of self expression,” he says. “For me it’s not really about collecting anything specifically. It’s more about collecting pieces that feel true to who I am and that look good.”

Now that he’s wrapped his design gig, Malik says his next big project will be getting back in the studio to finish that much-anticipated forthcoming album. “I’m always writing and recording. I’m currently working on my next record,” he says. “I plan to release this album differently than I’ve done before, so it is exciting.” And no, there is no release date as of yet—you’ll have to keep waiting.