On The Pulse of Saudi Arabia’s Pop Culture – Meet The Authentic Content Innovator Zombie Khalid

Khobar-based content creator Khalid (more commonly known as Zombie by his Instagram following) never actually tried to be a model. Yet now, he’s taking the fashion industry by storm one campaign at a time. Always providing a different outlook on fashion, he has been sharing his unique looks on social media for the past three years. With an established presence on Instagram and TikTok, Khalid’s instantly recognizable style has catapulted him to one of Saudi’s rising fashion and design tastemakers.

“We sat down with Khalid and found out all the nitty and gritty on fashion, values and the importance of Saudi Arabian Gen Z voices. Here’s his take.”

When you first started your career as a content creator, was fashion your main point of focus?
I can’t say fashion was the first thing that sparked my interest. Before all the campaigns and the buzz around creating content for brands and social media, I was much more interested in gaming. I was in fact a full-time gamer.

You’ve got quite an eclectic aesthetic. How would you describe your vision?

Glad you’ve noticed this! I’m always trying to be something else when it comes to the fashion industry. It’s very easy to get lost in an aesthetic that’s very generalised, so I always try to be authentic in the way that I create content. I don’t want to follow anyone else’s lead or vision.

Do you have any style icons that you follow? Your Instagram account feels like a Gucci campaign.

Nobody, in particular. I get my inspiration from anything that catches my eye! And it’s obvious that Gucci is my favourite brand. I love their campaigns and I try to integrate that into my work. Also, it’s very instinct-based. I trust my vision and as soon as something catches my eye, I integrate it into the content that I make.

“We have a lot of talents. I’m talking about the high potential. They were waiting for their chance to shine! And the time is now. We’ve been overlooked for too long, I think Gen Z in Saudi Arabia is finally making its voice heard and it’s loud and proud.”

You’ve collaborated with the A-listers of the fashion industry. Which one did you enjoy most and why?

That’s a hard question, to be honest, but I’ll go with Asos’ campaign. I’ve really enjoyed it. Also, working with Gucci has been a dream – when they dressed me for the first time I felt like a kid in a candy store. I feel very grateful to be in the position that I am today, even having to choose between the brands that I’ve worked with puts things in perspective.

How do you want to use your platform going forward?

Actually, being a fashion model is not my only plan, I’m always looking to be better and bigger in many different ways. I want to inspire more people in this industry. I think I’ll carry on working on developing my platform and do my best to instigate creativity in other people as well.

As a Saudi Arabian content creator, what inspiration do you want your audience to take from your work?

I wanna say it’s never too late to follow your dreams! Never give up, believe in yourself and keep hustling. It’s taken me a long time to get to where I am today, but there’s always hope as long as you’re confident and keep pushing forward.

What do you think is the core ethos of Gen Z in Saudi Arabia as opposed to other parts of the world?

We have a lot of talents. I’m talking about the high potential. They were waiting for their chance to shine! And the time is now. We’ve been overlooked and for too long, I think Gen Z in Saudi Arabia is finally making its voice heard and it’s loud and proud.

What is style to you?

Style is everything! Every one of us has his/her/their own style. It’s not about appearance. Style is something that is inherently yours, whether you define it or not.

Less is more or more is more?
Less is more.

What is authenticity to you?

Believing in yourself, sticking to your values, knowing your spirit, and being proud of your work. And not caring what others think about you! That’s the key to a life well-lived. And a genuine one as well.