Jan Coenraerds

22 Mar
Fashion

INTERVIEW: Mahmood Talks Self-Expression, Upcoming Projects and Zalando’s Spring/Summer 2025 Campaign

Zalando, Europe’s leading online fashion platform, unveils its Spring/Summer 2025 campaign, inspired by the familiar and universal question: “What should I wear?” The campaign highlights the joy and creativity that come with choosing an outfit and celebrates fashion as a tool for self-expression and confidence. Make sure to read to the end of the article; we have an exclusive interview with Mahmood!

From daily dilemma to fashion adventure

Starring in the campaign are Sarah Jessica Parker, four-time Golden Globe winner and fashion icon, and Mahmood, the acclaimed Italian singer-songwriter and style inspiration. Together, they bring the excitement of styling to life, turning everyday outfit decisions into moments of self-expression and inspiration. People ask themselves, “What should I wear?” multiple times a day. Zalando’s campaign transforms this moment of uncertainty into a creative journey. The campaign reinforces the idea that fashion is not just about trends: it’s about expressing confidence, no matter the occasion. All campaign looks have been carefully curated by renowned stylist Stella Greenspan.

Exclusive Q&A with Mahmood

You’ve mentioned that performing on an international stage has brought you greater freedom musically. Has this sense of freedom influenced your personal style? How has your style evolved since achieving international stardom?

The freedom I find on stage, through live concerts and music, is vital to me, especially the authenticity with which I can express myself through my songs. My style, both on and off stage, is functional to what I do, and it is also a tool to enhance messages. I definitely love experimenting in all areas and I am constantly evolving.

Performing at this level often involves a lot of travel, with Tenerife being one of your recent destinations for Zalando’s Spring Summer 2025 campaign. How do the places you visit inspire your sense of style? Are there any trends you’ve taken back home with you?

Travelling is an incredible source of inspiration, especially for my writing. I would love to do it more often because it’s a great opportunity to explore new perspectives to share and to experience new stories.

One of your most popular songs, ‘TUTA GOLD’ (Gold Tracksuit), celebrates finding beauty in simplicity and everyday comfort. How important is comfort in your day-to-day styling, and how does it shape your overall fashion choices?

I often prefer comfort and simplicity and I believe that you can always achieve a great impact even with “simple” elements, when combined in the right way.

Your lyrics often draw from your personal story. Has growing up in Gratosoglio, Milan, influenced your fashion sense and the way you express yourself through style?

Ever since I was a kid I had very clear ideas about how I wanted to dress. When I was younger I would always ask my mom for unique and distinctive clothes and, among my favorites, there was a pair of brown velvet pants, almost gold. I loved them so much and always wanted to wear them. In my mind, everyone had to like them.

Every so often, a fashion trend emerges, and people claim, “They started it!” Are there any fashion trends you feel you’ve helped pioneer?

I don’t know if I have ever set a fashion trend, but I do love experimenting with my style. I remember that in my first performances, it made quite a sensation that I chose to perform wearing skirts, sometimes costume-made by important brands. However, I have never really seen it as a trend. After all, why should it be considered a trend to wear a skirt instead of pants?

Answering ‘What do I wear?’ in summer styling can be both exciting and challenging. What’s your favourite thing about dressing for summer, and what’s your least favourite?

Summer gives me new opportunities to experiment with different styles, during summer skin is more exposed, tanned and fabrics e colors changes, it is a very stimulating season from a fashion perspective.

You’ve recently been referred to as ‘fashion’s favourite Italian singer.’ What do you think sets your style apart and has earned you this title?

Who? Me? I didn’t know that.

Being in the public eye, especially in the music industry, often comes with pressure to adapt your image for the masses. How have you managed to stay true to your personal sense of style?

Not thinking about it, because the moment you start thinking about it, your freedom of expression is clouded by concerns about other people’s judgement.

What’s next for Mahmood? Are there any upcoming summer projects you’re excited about?

On May 17th my N.L.D.A. TOUR in the Italian arenas will start again from Bologna. I will recount once again my imaginary journey with my band and dance troupe, but also with visuals, lights, and outfits that have been meticulously crafted down to the last detail. However, after the tour, I want to leave and disappear for a bit.

Collaborating with Sarah Jessica Parker—an undisputed fashion icon—for Zalando’s Spring Summer 2025 campaign is a major moment. What was it like to work with her, and what did you take away from the experience?

It was an honor to collaborate with such a style icon. It was very fun talking to her and I taught her some bad words in Italian, while she shared with me the few words she remembered in Italian, one of which was “prezzemolo”.

Zalando’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection is now available at the Zalando website.

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