Wool Sweater, Wool Pants and Rockstar Alcove Clutch, All from Valentino. Boots, Malek’s Own
The 27-year-old model is one of the more recognisable faces in the industry, having first been scouted at a public event back in 2015. “I went to a Zakuan Anuar fashion show with a friend of mine. After the event, the editor of GLAM Lelaki at the time approached me and asked if I could do a fashion shoot. I was mind-blown because I had never been approached for modelling before and that’s how everything started,” he shares.
View this post on Instagram
Since then, Malek has been a regular fixture in fashion shows, local campaigns and even magazine covers in Malaysia. When it comes to fashion, he is heavily influenced by biker culture with a little bit of punk rock. “That would be my go-to everyday style. On the other hand, my formal style would be a plain black suit with a black or white shirt. While it sounds simple, the look makes a strong style statement,” he says.
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
Malek describes himself as a laidback, outgoing and open-minded kind of guy, which he is indeed. As a canvas for artists and designers to showcase their work, Malek has modelled for a variety of conceptual looks, including wearing red lipstick and nail polish in an homage to Marc Jacobs, for a local magazine. It’s safe to say that his work is versatile and Malek has top model David Gandy to thank as inspiration for his working style.
View this post on Instagram
“Hands down, I feel like he is the best reference for all male models in doing their homework, and researching on posing and figuring out facial expressions.” With the pandemic affecting almost every industry, Malek channelled his focus into a different passion instead. He shares, “I did a lot of baking during the lockdown. My brother and I started a little chocolate chip cookie business during the first round of quarantine so we were quite busy doing that. I’ve kept myself positive all throughout this last year and a half by just being grateful and appreciative. I have a roof over my head, good family support and food on the table. That’s all I ask for. Besides that, cutting down on social media and taking Instagram breaks really helps keep the mind balanced.”
So what does one of BAZAARMan’s Man of the Month, Malek have planned for the future? “Besides modelling, I got into acting two years ago and I’m still developing my craft. It’s something that’s very new to me and I am just seeing where this road will take me to down the line. I think that will be my focus for the next few years,” he says.
