Zayn goes desi for Manish Malhotra

Singer embodies old-world charm in latest photoshoot

Singer and former One Direction favourite Zayn Malik has done his fans a favour by gracing the cover of Harper’s Bazaar India. Sporting traditional Indian outfits by the go-to designer Manish Malhotra, Zayn manages to bring old-world charm to contemporary fashion. For fans who survive on the breadcrumbs of the singer’s notoriously private life, this cover shoot and the accompanying interview couldn’t have come any sooner.

For the cover shoot, Zayn scores a four out of four in his distinct looks: a black bandhgala jacket and pants, an embellished blazer paired with a shirt and pants, an embroidered green coat with a velvet pants ensemble, and a richly adorned blue sherwani styled with a coordinating kurta and pajamas. The blue sherwani, in particular, has sent his fans into a frenzy online, similar to the time they lost their minds over that one strand of hair that casually fell over his forehead on the red carpet over a decade ago. That single strand of hair still has its own fan pages.

The first image features Zayn in a black bandhgala jacket, distinguished by its closed collar, front button closures, intricate sequin and thread floral embroidery, padded shoulders, and full-length sleeves. He complements this with a black shirt and eye-catching statement cufflinks.

Next is a black sequin blazer, also from Manish Malhotra, complete with padded shoulders, front button closure, and a tailored fit. He pairs this with a black shirt, sleek black pants, and Christian Louboutin dress shoes.

For his third look, Zayn dons a blue velvet sherwani jacket with an open front, Mandarin collar, and white thread leaf embroidery. This jacket, also featuring padded shoulders and full-length sleeves, is worn over a matching blue bandhagala kurta and pants.

The fourth and final ensemble showcases a green bandhgala velvet jacket with floral thread work, paired with a matching silk shirt and velvet pants. Completing this look are a stylish watch, Christian Louboutin shoes, and earrings. Throughout the photoshoot, Zayn accessorises with minimal jewellery, including statement rings and earrings, achieving a style that very much like him: subtle yet impactful.

A style evolution

Despite his tattoos and undeniable charisma, the singer’s personal style has evolved past skinny jeans and leather jackets. “I don’t care what section my clothes are from as long as they fit right, and I like them! I enjoy expressing myself through clothing,” he told Harper’s Bazaar India in an exclusive interview. “You don’t have to stay in one genre or limit yourself to a specific style. You can always switch it based on how you’re feeling and express yourself.” For Zayn, fashion is a tool to lift his mood. “If I’m having a bad day, I dress myself up to feel better,” he noted. “If we can use fashion as a tool to feel better, why not?”

The PILLOWTALK singer has a new solo album titled, Room Under the Stairs, where he blends R&B with Americana and folk music while paying homage to his Pakistani roots. “It started when I wrote Alienated about six years ago. I wrote something I didn’t know I had in me,” Zayn shared with Harper’s Bazaar India. “Once I unlocked that potential and realised I liked where the sound was headed, I wanted to create more. I think my daily environment helped shape the music I created and made it easy to embrace.”

The singer, often noted for his guarded privacy, has been opening up more to his followers. “My relationship with my fans is ever-changing for the better as is every relationship in my life. I’m growing and learning,” he confessed. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.” At 31, Zayn acknowledges his fans’ unwavering support while striving to redefine himself beyond their expectations.

Despite recently performing his first gig in eight years, Zayn’s pre-show ritual is refreshingly simple: brushing his teeth. “No quirky or unusual rituals. I did a soundcheck and hung out with my friends until it was time to get on stage,” he stated. His new album mirrors this stripped-down approach, with hearty vocals standing out against guitar strums. Yes, he has been away from the spotlight, but for a good reason: he was busy crafting something brilliant.

A long way

The new album and its lack of co-singers, is a deeply personal project. “I wrote the lyrics for 12 out of the 15 songs, I co-produced it, and I’m extremely proud of it. I didn’t feel it required another artist to tell my story right now.” The record marks Zayn’s emphatic return to the spotlight. “I’m always working on projects, and this is the first of many. Room Under the Stairs is a record that I’m really close to and passionate about. It was my journal, my perspective, and my story.”

Gone is the teenage boy-band member known for the catchphrase “Vas Happenin’”. Zayn, feeling all grown up, has traded the English air of Bradford for a farm in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. This riverine escape has become home for the musician, who loves gardening with his daughter and showing her the vegetable patch. While he’s come to love his secluded little slice of heaven, he reassures fans that there’s more to come.

“I think my next goal, both personally and professionally, is touring again and having a good balance of being on the road and at home. I’ve never done a solo tour and it’s a big step but I’m ready and I’m thankful everyone has been so patient. It’s time!” he exclaimed.