Inez & Vinoodh lensed singing sensation and Gigi Hadid’s boyfriend Zayn Malik for the cover of VMan 38‘s digital edition, styled by Panos Yiapanis. On the cover, Malik models an ensemble that embraces the bundled up vibe of fall but with a touch of punk. Think layered jackets, sweaters, and shirts accompanied by varying textures. In the interview, the singer discusses the new album he has coming out, going solo, labels, the media, and what could have been. Below, peruse some highlights, click here to read the full story, or pick up the print issue when it comes out August 24.
On going solo…
“I don’t think it was necessarily that experience that made me a man. I was becoming a man at that time anyway, and that experience was a validation of my decision-making at that time. Maybe I became a bit more in the driver’s seat—a bit more in control—and that was the first decision I made that reflected that in my life. I think it was a natural growth as a human being and as a person. I’m still growing every day, as everybody is. I don’t know everything and I’m willing to learn, so I believe everything is a natural progression.”
On labels and the media…
“For me personally, I don’t ever try to dwell so deep on labels and boxes and places that people want to put you. I believe that we as individuals are in charge of the way people perceive us. There are negative and positive sides to every human on this planet. That’s just the way it is. You just have to accept that. If I were to overthink that, it would affect me.”
On what could have been…
“I think about alternative realities. I think I’d be at university and I would have done my English degree. I think I’d be looking for some employment to do with English lecturing or literature. I love poetry and writing—obviously, I’m a songwriter—so, it would’ve been something that would still give me the feeling of a creative outlet within my writing.”
