Inspired by the Oasi Zegna nature park in Biella Alps, the Spring/Summer 2023 norda Outdoor Collection is characterised by performance and technical fabrics for the great outdoors. Five athletes champion the values of the Zegna x norda™ Outdoor Collection in an exclusive feature with Men’s Folio.
Idraki Adnan, Professional Footballer
“I always tell myself that even if you’re defeated, it doesn’t mean you are the weaker team. It’s probably because the opponents are more hungry for the win. A defeat lets us know which aspect of the game we need to improve. If you always win, there’s nothing much that we can change to be a better team. Every time we win, the coach will want to keep the same lineup and formation; but every time we lose, the coach tries a new strategy to improve our teamplay.”Idraki wears the Zegna x norda™ Nylon-blend technical fabric reversible vest, High Performance™ cotton jersey shorts, cotton socks, cotton jersey and rubber low-top sneakers
Zubin Muncherji, Track & Field (Spring)
“I realised the best runs I’ve had and the records I’ve broken in the past, I had no idea I was going to break them and it just happens. I was more focused on the process rather than on the outcome. It was the biggest thing for me because if you do the little things right, ultimately, you will get whatever results you want. A lot of times, you screw up the outcome just because you’re so focused on what’s going to happen and in the end, it’s the process that matters more.”
Zubin wears the Zegna x norda™ Nylon-blend technical fabric reversible vest, High Performance™ wool and cotton hoodie, High Performance™ cotton jersey shorts, cotton socks, cotton jersey and rubber low-top sneakers
Hairul Syamil, Track & Field (High Jump)
“As high jumpers, we’re always aiming for our personal best. It lets us down a lot when we don’t perform well during training or competitions, so it’s a mental game for us. If you were to ask me about the relationship between sports and performance, it’s definitely mental. We must always keep a positive mindset in order for us to continue this career. I’ll show up to keep myself in the right mindset — show up for training, feedback and video sessions, and absorb the necessary information. There are days you feel lazy or not wanting to train, those are the days to show up.”
Hairul wears the Zegna x norda™ #Usetheexisting™ Cotton T-shirt, High Performance™ cotton jersey shorts, cotton socks, cotton jersey and rubber low-top sneakers
Shane Tan, Triathlete
“I faced a lot of political issues with my training while I was in school. I had to split between three different sports — swimming, cycling and running — and the main part was understanding my main sport is triathlon and not those individual sports. It’s very demoralising whenever I had to compete in those individual sports when competing with athletes specialising in them. Reminding myself that I am firstly, a triathlete before a cyclist, swimmer or runner helped encourage myself and not allow myself to get too demoralised.”
Shane wears the Zegna x norda™ #Usetheexisting™ Cotton T-shirt, nylon-blend shorts, nylon-blend shirt (worn around the waist), cotton jersey and rubber low-top sneakers; Stylist’s own cotton socks
Amir Khan, Professional Mixed Martial Arts Fighter
“When I’m performing at my best and in that flow state, nothing else matters except (in a fighting sense) what’s in front of me. It sounds cliché, but time moves slower because I’m so present in the moment, and everything clicks and feels right. You trained your whole life for this moment, this purpose — that’s what it’s like to be in the flow state. You need years of physical and mental preparation to get into this state and also the right amount of pressure and expectation on yourself.”
Amir wears the Zegna x norda™ Wool and nylon vest, High Performance™ cotton jersey shorts, cotton jersey and rubber low-top sneakers; Stylist’s own cotton socks
Photography Mun Kong
Videography Jaya Khidir
Creative Direction & Styling Izwan Abdullah
Interview Asaph Low
Grooming & Hair Sha Shamsi using Sephora Beauty & KMS Hair
Photography Assistant Hizuan Zailani
Styling Assistants Laura & Jason
Click here to discover more on the Zegna x norda™ collaboration.
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our March 2023 issue.
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