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

Photo: Courtesy of Arnette

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.

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 – reference 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.”

Photo: Courtesy of Arnette

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.)

Read Next: Zayn Malik Opens Up About Balancing His Career and Fatherhood

Originally published on Vogue.co.uk

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