The Weeknd—aka Abel Tasfaye—is well on his way to becoming a modern fashion mainstay. For one thing, the Grammy-winning singer's style is almost as well known as his songs. For another, he's back at it again with his second capsule collection of gear with H&M;, which drops in stores September 28.

The 18-piece capsule includes everything from elevated bomber jackets to essential hoodies, all finished with "XO" graphics and infused with Tasfaye's own sense of personal style. We caught up with the Toronto-based 27-year-old to talk about how it came together, what he's going to be wearing, and why music and style are inextricably linked.

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On personal style

Everything I do is based on instinct. It’s all about the pieces that feel right, and the specific decisions I take to mix together smart with casual. I love how pieces like the bomber jacket have become elevated in menswear, and that a hoodie is now something that everyone cares about. I like to play with different styles, putting together casual pieces with those that are more tailored.

On the second 'Selected by The Weeknd' collection

I was really happy with the first collection went with H&M.; It was great when pieces started to sell out straight away, and then it came to life when I saw people wearing it on the street. I liked what we started with the collection, and to me it felt like there was more that we could do together. It was a pleasure to link up with H&M; again, and to see how this look could evolve.

On crafting his look

My interest in style has been there from the beginning. When you’re a kid dreaming about performing on stage, you’re thinking about what you’ll wear, how you’ll look. At the same time that I was defining my own sound, I was thinking also thinking about my own style. In a way, how you look is like a physical manifestation of your sound.

On the collaborative process with H&M;

There’s something really special about the way we do these collections. The H&M; design team create a collection with a forward point of view. Then we meet, and I select the pieces that I feel best represent the world of The Weeknd. I also work with them on pieces that involve our graphics, to give a real sense of identity and community to the collection. It’s a great process and I’m really happy with the results.

On his favorite pieces

I love how the collection has moved forwards, with a real sense of evolution. The baseball jacket is a key piece for me, because I love to play with American classics. It’s a traditional piece of Americana, but we give it a new edge with our own logos. I’m into the pink crewneck with The Weeknd on the front, and our slogan on the back, "If it ain't XO then it gotta go," and I love the XO graphic on the back of the hoodie that mixes together a tiger’s head with a snake.

On the intersection of music and style

I often think how much music is about seeing as it is hearing. When you think about a musician, you think about their style. I guess it’s for many reasons. The best performing artists are individual icons. Their style is part of what makes them so unique. Musicians are creative people, and there’s also something creative about putting together your own personal style. There’s also the fantasy of being a musician. Millions around the world look up to their musical icons. When you’re a musician yourself, you want to do your best in everything. You want to raise the bar, in music, and in style.

Jonathan Evans Jonathan Evans is the style director of Esquire, covering all things fashion, grooming, accessories, and, of course, sneakers.

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