by 
“I love the way he is evolving,” said Olivier Rousteing of former One Direction-er Zayn Malik. “He is someone who has all the potential and the strength to become a champion, and that is why his outfit also resembles that of one—embroidered and chic but ready to perform and own the stage.” The creative director of Balmain created a custom ensemble for Malik’s appearance at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this past weekend, one that made the British singer’s soulful performance of “Like I Would” that much more captivating.
“Clean lines with lots of personality” was how Malik’s stylist, Jason Rembert, described the look, which featured a double-breasted jacket replete with Balmain’s now-signature brass buttons and slightly peaked shoulders. His custom Jimmy Choo boots and rings from Jennifer Fisher and John Hardy made for attention-grabbing finishing touches, too. “It is easy to work with artists who know what they want,” said Rousteing, who has made Malik the latest recruit of his Balmain army. “He has all the elements I admire in a person: He is confident, creative, and unique—a real modern prince, a Balmain ‘soldier.’ ” With Malik’s new album,Mind of Mine, climbing the charts, chances are more designers will be marching to the beat of his drum very soon.
