Canadian singer Shawn Mendes has begun recording his next album at a studio in Brazil following his appointment as a Gucci brand ambassador.
The 28-year-old artist, known for his hit single Stitches, confirmed the new project in a recent interview with Esquire magazine.
The announcement marks a major shift in both his musical career and his public image, with Mendes revealing that the creative process behind the record is deeply connected to his personal and artistic evolution.
Mendes rose to international prominence as a pop vocalist with multiple chart-topping releases, and his latest fashion partnership sees him starring in the Italian luxury house's Spring campaign as an official brand ambassador.
Recording studio in Brazil
The singer explained that he has been setting up a recording facility in Brazil for some time, noting that he has visited the country on multiple occasions and developed a strong personal connection to it.
Speaking on the day of the interview, Mendes confirmed that he was heading into the studio for his very first day of work on the upcoming album, stating that the project is currently his primary focus.
While Mendes remained cautious about revealing specific details regarding the sound, concept, or release schedule, he emphasized that the album occupies a central place in his life.
He said he has numerous ideas in his head and heart, but cannot confirm anything with certainty yet, adding that he believes the new record will be something very special this time.
The artist appears to have fully adapted to Brazilian culture, supported by his frequent visits to the South American nation, with observers noting that his accumulated creative material reflects a period of intense artistic preparation.
Relationship with Bruna Marquezine
Mendes' connection to Brazil is also closely tied to his personal life and his relationship with actress Bruna Marquezine.
Rumors surrounding the couple first emerged in November 2025 before their relationship was consolidated early in 2026.
The defining moment for the couple occurred on February 14, 2026, during the combined celebrations of Valentine's Day and Carnival in Brazil.
A video recorded by an onlooker went viral online, capturing the couple sharing a passionate kiss among the crowd to the sound of traditional music.
Marquezine is a prominent Brazilian screen actor who has starred in major television dramas and international film productions, and her influence has helped deepen Mendes' immersion in the country's cultural landscape.
Fashion campaign with Demna
Parallel to his musical development, Mendes has embraced a broad transformation in how he approaches fashion and public presentation.
During the Esquire interview, he confessed that he is attempting to let go of a long-standing belief that caring about fashion implies being overly self-absorbed.
This newfound confidence has influenced his music, suggesting that his next release may depart from the safer formulas of his earlier work.
He credited Gucci creative director Demna with encouraging him to expand his creative boundaries.
Mendes described working with Demna as a continuous process of pushing himself further than he had ever anticipated.
He explained that he placed his complete trust in the designer to elevate his image in a distinctive way, a mindset of continuous self-improvement that he is now applying directly to his studio work.
