Zayn X Versus: Donatella Versace recruits Zayn Malik to design an edgy capsule collection

Will Gigi be the face of the new campaign?

It was something of a head-scratcher when Zayn Malik wound up front row at the Versus Versace spring/summer 2017 show at London Fashion Week in September. Sure, the ex-One Directioner is no stranger to the fashion scene since he began dating girl-of-the-moment Gigi Hadid. And though Gigi’s equally as sought-after sister was walking in the show, a question mark remained over Zayn's head.

Today, the news broke that the brooding youngster was far more than a plus one for his stylish GF, and the singer is set design an eponymous capsule line for the Italian label, called ZAYN X VERSUS:

'I want my girl and my boy back,' Donatella Versace told The Telegraph as she discussed the Versus SS17 collection pre-show. And Gigi and Zayn perfectly personify the edgy millennial gang she’s catering to as they rocked up to the industrial show venue, Zayn all tattoos, slicked back hair and stubble in head-to-toe black, and Gigi perched beside him in chunky bovver boots and a cropped knit.

The younger sister brand to Versace, Versus turned 20 this year. A press release from the brand confirmed that Zayn will design both menswear and womenswear for the capsule line that hits stores next May. Zayn, who launched a 23-piece streetwear line under his own name earlier this year, will also star in the advertising campaigns (the first of which will debut in February 2017).

'Zayn is one of the most exciting personalities on the world stage right now,' Donatella praised. 'When we first met, he told me how much he loves fashion. I thought it would be fantastic to collaborate on a new Versus collection together.'

Speaking to the New York Times, Donatella further explained the reasons why she's excited about her new recruit: ‘I wanted Zayn because he can help me talk to his followers. I want to listen to their language. I want to learn more about them, what they think and what they like. They are a new generation that without working with someone like Zayn, I will never reach.'

'I think Versus has always been a very cool brand,' Zayn said of the collaboration. 'It’s a great brand for me and for people in my generation.'