Rohan Mirza is the Parisian designer making it (really) big

Rohan Mirza’s designs are hard to miss. His oversized, cartoonish “big zipper” hoodies have become one of fashion’s latest grail items for those in the know. “My work is very inspired by video games, and I’m almost always influenced by characters,” explains the Paris-born designer, whose other pieces include a handgun-strapped belt, a ‘HARDCORE’ hoodie and various other gaming-spawned designs.

Growing up in the Paris suburbs, Mirza recalls his early years spent trawling the internet, consuming the pixelated spew of cartoon graphics, wiring into video games, and following pop culture. “I spent a lot of time at home in front of my computer or TV,” he says. From this, the designer has built a world of weapon-based SFX, blood-stained KO’d garments, and, of course, the oversized zippers for which Instagram commenters are demanding another restock. “The idea for the big zipper came directly from King Mickey’s outfit in Kingdom Hearts – the goth Mickey who wears a hoodie with a huge zip. There’s also Sackboy from LittleBigPlanet, who has a big zip too.”

It’s this pixelated gaming universe that has shaped his previous runway shows. 2024’s Nuketown explored the collision between online and offline worlds and rendered models in bullet leather pants, distressed dollar-sprouting jeans, and a translucent 3D printed sword. 2025’s Stonehaven drew from the Call of Duty battlefield of the same name, and had models in badge-covered blazers, skin-deep SFX racks of ammo, and carrying rifles spouting blood-splatted umbrellas.

Now, in 2026, Mirza is dialling things down, working on a micro-collection with just a few looks as a testing ground for new ideas. In light of this, we sit down with the creative for a round of quickfire questions about his favourite designers, what he’s creating next, and the mantra he lives by.

How did you first get into fashion? 

Rohan Mirza: Supreme.

What are you working on right now? 

Rohan Mirza: We’re working on a micro-collection with just a few looks, to develop new ideas and test things. There won’t be a full collection this year, only events for people, to bring everyone together. We need to be together. Free parties everywhere in the world.

You wake up tomorrow, and the fashion industry has disappeared. What are you retraining as? 

Rohan Mirza: I’m becoming a manager for young rappers. That’s my dream.

Which four designers are in your Fashion Mount Rushmore? 

Rohan Mirza: Alessandro Michele, Jeremy Scott, Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs.

What’s a mantra you live by? 

Rohan Mirza: Be grateful for what I have and for the way everything is going. Stay positive in every situation, and bring people together.

What’s a fashion holy grail you’re yet to get your hands on? 

Rohan Mirza: Cartier Santos full VVS.

What tracks do you have on repeat when you’re working? 

Rohan Mirza: Any track by the French group PNL. My favourite one is called “Sur Paname”.

You’re trapped in a lift with your celebrity crush – who is it, and what are you wearing? 

Rohan Mirza: Kylie Jenner, and I’m wearing a black hoodie, black pants and Air Force 1s, like every day.

What fictional character do you most relate to and why?

Rohan Mirza: Kirby – we’re both connected. 

Any signature pieces you wore growing up? 

Rohan Mirza: A black hoodie from a friend’s brand called HotBoys – I still wear it.

Is there anyone you’d like to see wearing your designs? 

Rohan Mirza: SpongeBob.