Zayn’s New Giuseppe Zanotti Collab Includes a Nod to Gigi

Zayn Malik has officially graduated from R&B singer to high fashion insider. This spring, Zayn X Versus will make its not-so-long-awaited runway debut. (It’ll be available online and in Versus Versace stores come May.) And Donatella’s not the only venerable Italian designer to link up with the social media magnet. Months ago, Zayn teased a Giuseppe Zanotti collaboration via Twitter.

This week, we normals finally got a peek at the full footwear range. Unlike his upcoming Versus collab, Giuseppe for Zayn focuses solely on menswear — men’s footwear, to be exact — but that doesn’t mean we can’t look on in admiration. (Unless, of course, you’re blessed with a versatile shoe size, in which case, more power to you.)

“I really believe style comes from taking chances, being bold and not being afraid to express yourself,” Zayn said of the experience. “I feel Giuseppe does that with his collections — and I try to do that with my music. So when the idea came up to collaborate, I thought ‘yes, this would work.’”

“Zayn is a fashion icon, truly,” affirmed Zanotti, who’s no stranger to designing alongside pop stars. “It’s who he is, it’s not fake. Just as his music is soulful, his style is natural. His whole approach is contemporary, an easy coolness with the right amount of modern rebel.”

The collection consists of four unique designs (two boots, two sneaker styles) in three earthy colorways. There’s the Taz mid-top sneaker, an everyday shoe done in olive green leather. The Yasr, a minimalist front zip boot, comes in either brown or black leather. The Yeezy-reminiscent Javaad sneaker boot was ostensibly “inspired by classic boxing designs.” Pity the chocolatey shoe doesn’t come in Gotham gym rat Gigi Hadid’s size. And speaking of Gigi, Zayn’s final design takes the celebrity couple’s portmanteau. The Zigi, a black suede Chelsea boot, features double side zips and could most definitely be unisex if Malik and Zanotti budge on sizing. (And yes, we realize Zigi could be derived from Zayn and Giuseppe, but where’s the romance in that?)

Each shoe features a “Giuseppe for Zayn” embossed logo plate and is priced between $795 and $1,295. The limited-edition collection will be available online and at Giuseppe Zanotti Design stores starting in late January. Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom will also stock #GiuseppexZayn. (What, did you think you could escape the hashtag?)

Check out all five styles in the slideshow below.

All Images: Giuseppe Zanotti