Zendaya’s Showstopping Red Carpet Looks: How The Style Icon Redefines Fashion

Only a few stars leave the world in awe over their style. And when it comes to Zendaya’s red carpet looks, she owns the scene. The Dune star is a Gen Z fashion icon, no doubt. Working with stylist Law Roach, she’s been a force of change, effortlessly shifting between vintage elegance and modern edge.

From showstopping looks like her Atelier Versace gown at the 2023 NAACP Awards to powerful brand partnerships with Louis Vuitton, the actress turns every appearance into a statement. Her confident persona and willingness to take risks have made her a trailblazer. Let’s dive deeper into Zendaya’s most memorable fashion moments and the stories behind them.

The Black and Green Atelier Versace Dress at the 2023 NAACP Awards

Zendaya turns heads in a show-stopping Atelier Versace gown at the NAACP Awards. Photo: imagepressagency / Deposit Photos

In a striking 2002 Atelier Versace creation, Zendaya commanded attention at the 2023 NAACP Image Awards. The vintage gown featured a plunging neckline and high slit, creating an alluring silhouette. But beyond the all-eyes-on-me effect, the dress held deeper meaning. The bold mix of green and black symbolized unity between African American creativity and Italian luxury fashion.

This was an important statement for Zendaya to make as a black woman in Hollywood. By wearing the dress, she bridged cultural gaps and highlighted the need for greater diversity in the industry she loves. The stunning vintage piece allowed her to pay homage to the past while still looking to the future.

The Valentino Ensemble That Redefined Elegance at the 2022 Oscars

Zendaya shines in a custom Valentino ensemble, raising the bar at the 2022 Oscars. Photo: PopularImages / Deposit Photos

At the 2022 Oscars, Zendaya radically reimagined formalwear with her custom Valentino outfit. The cropped white satin top and sequined skirt sparked countless comparisons to Sharon Stone’s iconic 1998 look. But Zendaya pushed things forward with diamond Bulgari high jewelry and a confidence all her own.

By mixing luxurious ease with modern edge, she raised the bar for Oscars fashion. The daring look seemed perfectly effortless, belying the work that went into its creation. Valentino had to hand-pick each sequin and bead to create the skirt’s spiderweb motif.

This combination of fashion history, custom detail, and Zendaya’s trademark style proved she has the power to redefine elegance on her own terms. The outfit embodied both her maturity as an actress and as a fashion force.

The Daring Christopher Esber Dress at the 2019 People’s Choice Awards

Zendaya’s crystal-adorned Christopher Esber number proves black is never boring. Photo: Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos

Who said a black dress had to be boring? At the 2019 People’s Choice Awards, Zendaya showed some skin in a black Christopher Esber gown. The dress featured crystal-embellished cut-outs at the midsection for a sultry take on formalwear.

By playing with traditional evening wear codes, Zendaya keeps us guessing. The asymmetrical neckline and coordinating Louboutin heels made this LBD anything but. She knows just how to strike the balance between elegance and edge.

The Pink Warrior Chic Tom Ford Look at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards

The actress embraces warrior chic in a pink Tom Ford ensemble at the Critics Choice Awards. Photo: Jean Nelson / Deposit Photos

Zendaya fully embraced the warrior chic trend in a bold pink Tom Ford ensemble at the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards. A daring chromed breastplate top was matched with a coordinating maxi skirt. With long box braids completing the look, she evoked the Amazonian aesthetic in striking fashion.

By merging high fashion with costume-like touches, Zendaya expands our idea of what modern glamour can be. She gives a playful nod to pop culture while still maintaining her signature cool. This daring stylistic choice shows she isn’t afraid to be a genre-bending style pioneer.

The Spiderweb Couture Gown for Spider-Man: No Way Home

The actress wows in a spiderweb-like Valentino gown at the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere. Photo: imagepressagency / Deposit Photos

Continuing her tradition of thematic looks, Zendaya turned to Valentino for the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in 2021. Her slinky couture gown was adorned with black crystals arranged like a spider’s web. The plunging neckline and leg-baring slit added vintage Hollywood glam to the dynamic Marvel moment.

By incorporating symbolic details, Zendaya’s clothing choices become an extension of her artistry. She builds narratives through her outfits, Down to the very last sequin and bead. Collaborating closely with the Valentino design team, her red carpet fashion requires painstaking construction and vision.

The Moschino Tribute to Her Role in Space Jam: A New Legacy

Zendaya’s colorful Moschino outfit gives a nod to her role in Space Jam 2. Photo: PopularImages / Deposit Photos

For the Space Jam: A New Legacy premiere in 2021, Zendaya paid tribute to her character Lola Bunny. She did so in playful, eye-catching style, wearing a colorful Moschino jacket and shorts. The retro 90s vibe of the outfit aligned perfectly with the lighthearted new take on the Looney Tunes franchise.

By embracing the theme so fully, Zendaya showed her willingness to take fashion risks and not take herself too seriously. The vibrant Moschino set let her celebrate her role in the film through her clothing. It also reiterated her close partnership with stylist Law Roach, proving their shared commitment to fun fashion moments.

Zendaya’s Beauty and Fashion Ambassador Role with Lancôme

Beyond stunning red carpet looks, Zendaya has become an ambassador for major brands like Lancôme. With the French beauty giant, she advocates for greater diversity in the industry while starring in advertising campaigns.

Lancôme’s selection of Zendaya for such an iconic role speaks volumes. A woman of color had never been the face of Idole, Lancome’s flagship fragrance, until Zendaya assumed the role in 2020. As both a beauty inspiration and outspoken voice calling for change, her impact is undeniable.

By lending her fresh perspective to a company like Lancôme, Zendaya pushes boundaries beyond the red carpet. Her influence reaches into boardrooms, prompting much-needed conversations about inclusivity and representation. Simply put, her role as a brand ambassador has power to change beauty for future generations.

Zendaya: Still Redefining Style and Fashion

At just 26 years old, Zendaya has already reshaped fashion in so many ways. From high-fashion vintage to custom looks celebrating her roles, her style choices tell a story. She may have started out on Disney Channel, but today she’s a Hollywood trailblazer bending old rules.

With the help of stylist Law Roach, Zendaya seems to just keep getting better. Each red carpet prompts a wave of dazzled reactions, spurring countless magazine features and social media tributes documenting her best looks. But more than a pretty face, Zendaya uses clothing to speak out and create change.

She is an actress, singer, producer, and advocate coming into her own. Her ever-evolving style journey shows no signs of slowing down. So as long as red carpets still exist, Zendaya will no doubt continue redefining what they mean. We can’t wait to see what dazzling, meaningful fashion statement she makes next.