Zayn Malik for Martyre. Photo courtesy of Martyre
Not one to shy away from the chance to challenge societal constructs whether it’s of fashion or perceptions of masculinity, Anwar Hadid embarked on a quest to do both with his contemporary jewelry line Martyre. Founded by Hadid and musician Yoni Laham under a mission to “redefine unisex jewelry”, the gender-neutral collection of delicate pieces the creative duo launched in 2018 aims to reinstate the authenticity and emotionality of jewelry to what it originally symbolized: the individual personality and values of the wearer. “Jewelry is essential to my everyday wear,” explained Hadid. “I feel that is an opportunity to express individuality, especially in today’s world where people are scared to be themselves, that individuality is actually what people appreciate.”
Collaborating with Los Angeles artisans to design an array of necklaces, rings, hoops, and cuffs in sterling silver and 14ct rose and yellow gold, each Martyre design is grounded in timeless modernity that surpasses tradition and seasonal trends, including Hadid’s favorite pieces: the “Caleb bracelet, Pray For Us stack, and the Soma earrings.” While the debut campaign featured Hadid himself alongside international models Georgia Fowler and Abdulaye Niang, the second shoot welcomed a familiar face to the Hadid family as the jewelry line’s latest star: Zayn Malik.
Photo: Instagram/@martyre
“Zayn has been a friend for a long time now and has been very supportive of the brand,” said Hadid. “We love to create with other artists in a comfortable natural environment and with Alana O’Herlihy as the photographer, it was only right to keep it friends and family for this project.”
Embracing the simplicity of what the brand stands for, Malik models Martyre’s signature pieces such as the Sinner cuff and necklace engraved with “Every sinner dies a saint” as well as stacked split rings and layered chains at O’Herlihy’s New York apartment. “The shoot was minimalist and was basically in a space that felt nothing like work,” shared Hadid. “Everyone was comfortable and we hoped to capture some of that feeling through the photos. Everyone in that room had known each other as friends, we could all be ourselves, and everybody had their say which led to a natural project that we all felt was easy to resonate with.”
Zayn Malik for Martyre. Photo courtesy of Martyre
While many of this generation’s top talent and style icons can be seen donning Martyre’s pieces from Kaia Gerber to Dua Lipa, Malik is the perfect personification of the label’s ethos of unapologetic self-identity and creative expression. “Zayn is a guy that I have always seen as someone who conveys his passions through his art and the things he enjoys,” said Hadid. “I feel like that is one of the first things that we connected so it just felt right.”
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