There is no doubt that Zendaya is a fashion icon. From full chrome armor to intricately embroidered gowns, her looks span an impressive range of aesthetics, each one feeling entirely distinct from the last. What she wears is often an extension of the roles she plays, making her red carpet appearances just as compelling as her performances. Zendaya has openly spoken about using fashion as a form of expression and it’s that level of intentionality that sets her apart.
2021: Venice Film Festival
For the 2021 Venice Film Festival, Zendaya arrived in a ruched nude leather Balmain dress, nude heels, and a stunning BVLGARI emerald snake necklace and matching ring. The skin-close ruching of the dress paired with her hair slicked back gave the entire look an elegant, drenched quality. Her makeup was just as deliberate, with a warm smoky eye that made a bold statement. An ode to her role as Chani in “Dune,” this sandy palette and ruching directly connected to the desert landscape of Arrakis, while the wet hair seemed like a gesture to the most precious resource in the film’s world, water. This look illustrates how Zendaya uses fashion to bring her characters to life beyond the screen, earning its place among her very best looks.
2024: Australian Premier of “Challengers”
Inspired by her role in the film, “Challengers,” Zendaya wore a striking glittering sage green gown designed by Jonathan Anderson. The deep V-neck halter silhouette and thigh-high slit created a sleek, elongated silhouette that drew attention straight to the graphic detailing at the center: a tennis ball and shadow of a tennis player swept across the fabric. Complementing the dress, Zendaya’s hair was pulled into a loose updo and she wore matching green heels and delicate earrings to keep the look clean. Even with such a literal graphic, the look didn’t feel gimmicky at all. Through the polished tailoring of the dress and strategic, minimal styling, Zendaya was able to make the outfit feel elevated and distinctly couture.
2024: Oscars
At the 2024 Oscars, Zendaya opted for a rose and silver sequined Armani Privé silk gown. The asymmetrical roped shoulder strap and intricate embroidered palm tree motif scattered across the silk fabric added texture, contrasting against the reflective nature of the silk. Allowing the dress to speak for itself, Zendaya wore her hair swept back in polished waves that gave the entire look a timeless, vintage feel. To complement the rose silk, Zendaya wore red eye shadow and red earrings, making the whole look feel cohesive. Rather than alluding to a specific role, this look felt like a tribute to Hollywood itself with the palm tree motif reminiscent of Los Angeles, a city that has long defined the film industry. Even without relying on a role or bold concept, Zendaya was still able to bring attention to her look.
2023: Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre Grand Opening
A modern take on the traditional sari, Zendaya wore a gown designed by Rahul Mishra at the grand opening of Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre in India. The deep purple skirt and trailing veil were embroidered with stars and glittering details that scintillated like a starry night sky. At the hem of the skirt, delicate floral embroidery bloomed upward, the same motif continuing onto the gold bralette adorned with oversized gold leaf and petal pieces. Zendaya’s hair pulled back into a low bun and minimal jewelry kept the look feeling refined, allowing the dress to speak entirely for itself. This look stood out for its deeper significance, as it honored Indian craftsmanship and culture through Mishra’s intricate, hand-embroidered design. By choosing to wear an Indian designer for such a major event, Zendaya helped bring greater recognition to the artistry and tradition in Indian fashion, making the look both eye-catching and meaningful.
2024: Met Gala
Co-hosting the 2024 Met Gala, Zendaya wore a custom John Galliano for Maison Margiela gown that felt like something out of a dark fairytale. The mermaid silhouette featured alternating stripes of semi-transparent green tulle and deep blue silk, anchored with an emerald green corset decorated with intricate botanical details of berries, leaves, and floral appliques. Along with the dress, Zendaya also donned a fascinator hat with a net to crown her updo. Her makeup matched the intensity of the dress, with a deep red smoky eye and bold dark lip. The Met Gala’s “Garden of Time” theme centered on the idea of nature evolving over time, and Zendaya’s look captured that perfectly through its deep greens, layered textures, and floral detailing, which mimicked a garden grown wild and undone. As a co-host, it was an especially fitting choice, setting a clear and elevated interpretation of the theme for the night.
2018: Met Gala
At the 2018 Met Gala, Zendaya arrived in a full silver chainmail and armor ensemble by Versace. Structured shoulder plates sat over a chainmail dress with a thigh-high split, while a dramatic floor-length chainmail cape trailed behind her. This bold look was further intensified with the copper blunt bob with straight across bangs. Statement rings and silver platform heels were the finishing touches in ensuring a cohesive look. For a theme centered around “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination,” Zendaya offered a striking interpretation of Joan of Arc, drawing from religious history without relying on traditional church imagery. The armor-like construction and medieval references made the look stand out for its originality among looks filled with more literal interpretations.
2024: “Dune: Part Two” London Premier
Unlike the soft ruching and fluidity of her earlier Dune look, this one was fully armored and futuristic. For the “Dune: Part Two” premier in London, Zendeya wore a vintage Thierry Mugler chrome bodysuit. This ensemble was head to toe chrome armor complete with panels, mechanized hands, and silver platform boots. A jeweled choker necklace and slicked back hair were the only breaks from the silver, keeping the focus entirely on the sculptural intensity of the suit. While the look clearly nodded to the sci-fi world of “Dune,” Mugler’s design also suggested something deeper, with the rigid, almost dehumanizing form of the armor, hinting at ideas of control and the objectification of women. This made the look both visually compelling and conceptually layered, illustrating how Zendaya is not afraid to use fashion to engage with more complicated and uncomfortable ideas.
