SS26 Menswear - THE QUIET POWER of Mergim Shabani

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The Quiet Power Of Mërgim Shabani

written CHIDOZIE OBASI

Kosovo-born, Vienna-hailed talent Mërgim Shabani kicked off his creative path that didn’t follow the customary trajectory in this realm. “I was very focused on sports and football growing up, but maybe because I’m left-handed and played football with my left foot, I had to learn early on how to adapt — and approach things in a more creative way,” he says.

Mërgim wears blazer, pants and belt by LOUIS VUITTON, shirts by CARUSO and ZEGNA and shoes by CHURCH’S

At the same time, Shabani was in touch with fashion from a young age, especially with Prada. “My uncle, who owned a variety of Prada shoes, had a strong influence on me,” he recalls, the moment we begin to settle in our conversation. “It was probably my first experience with something that felt more premium and intentional compared to other clothing, and it stayed with me,” he adds. Below, LE MILE grabs five with Shabani; unpacking all things influence, mental health and future hopes. You’re welcome.

Mërgim wears a total look by GUCCI

Mërgim wears a total look by PRADA

Chidozie Obasi
In an age permeated by saturation and social downturns, the word ‘influence’ - and its wealth of denotations - acquires a huge relevance and, in turn, prominence nowadays. How do you use your platforms and position to inform what’s going on in the world, and how/where do you see the future of socials heading to?

Mergim Shabani
We are all dependent on platforms today, but that also means they are an opportunity — and for me, that opportunity is a gift. There were people who inspired me and made it possible for me to even have a platform and a certain level of influence. The more I appreciate that, the more I want to be my most authentic self. I believe that when you are truly yourself, you can step away from competition more easily. When it comes to informing others, I don’t see myself in a position to lecture people about the complex state of the world. There’s a phrase I believe in: you can’t fix your home and you’re trying to fix the world. For me, that means doing the inner work first — becoming someone who contributes positively to their own community and tribe, instead of speaking on situations you don’t really have influence over.

Could you unpack what the most complex moments of your job are, and how you grapple with your mental health - particularly in a sea of numbers dictated by tractions?

I think the most complex moments are the ones where you have to constantly develop new skill sets and reach new levels, because you always want to become better.
Through that process, I learned an important lesson for my mental health: I never question myself as a human — my character or my value — but I do question my skills in a tough, honest way. That distinction is important. It allows me to improve without losing stability. I can be critical of my work, but still stay grounded in who I am.

Mërgim wears a jacket and top by CELINE and pants by RANDOM IDENTITIES by Stefano Pilati

Mërgim wears a tank top by LOUIS VUITTON, a hat by PAUL SMITH and jewellery by LAG WORLD

Mërgim wears a jacket by ISABEL MARANT, tank top by EXTREME CASHMERE, shirt by CANALI, pants by QUARTO ATTO, hat by LORO PIANA and tie by POLO RALPH LAUREN

What are you focusing on right now?

There are a few things I can speak about, and others I still prefer to keep quiet for now.
I have a store called Odë in Vienna with a partner, and we are now moving into online sales and worldwide shipping. It’s not just a fashion store or a boutique — it’s a space where people can experience our taste and perspective. I’m also developing Tempo Wellness Club, which is my own sports and movement brand. It will include a lot of my routines, workouts, and overall philosophy. Alongside that, I’m working on other product-based projects that I’m personally very connected to. I’m not ready to speak on them yet, but they will be visible soon.

What’s next for you? Any future hopes?

I’m constantly developing new skills and perspectives, so I see this as a phase where I’m stepping into a new level. At the same time, I see myself as a lifelong student of life. I want to stay productive, continue building, and provide for my people — my tribe — but also create moments where I can step back and appreciate the life I’ve built with those around me.
Hope is something that has a strong meaning to me. You can see it in a person’s eyes when it’s still there, and it’s something worth protecting. My hope for the future is to become a version of myself that gives more than he takes.

Mërgim wears shorts and hat by LORO PIANA

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seen COSIMO BUCCOLIERI via STUDIO REPOSSI
fashion market director CHIDOZIE OBASI
head of production JESSICA LOVATO
fashion EDWARD PUSCA
make up KIM GUTIERREZ via STUDIO REPOSSI using DOLCE&GABBANA BEAUTY
hair FUJIWARA TAKAHASHI via MKS MILANO
talent MËRGIM SHABANI via NEXT MILAN
photography assistant ANTONIO CROTTI
fashion assistants SOFIA FARINA + SIMONA VERNAZZA + LUIZA ANGELOVA + ANGELINA PERSIANI + ISABELLA RUIZ

credits
all Images (c) LE MILE
and Cosimo Buccolieri