As she prepares to be the youngest person to ever receive a CFDA Award, we take a look back at the subtle style messages Zendaya takes with each and every fashion-forward ‘fit.
It will come as no surprise to fashion lovers that Zendaya will receive the Fashion Icon gong at this year’s upcoming CFDA Awards, which will take place in New York City later this year.
When she’s not conceiving genderless clothing collections with Tommy Hilfiger, the multi-hyphenate is snapping up ambassador deals left, right and centre with Lancôme, Bulgari and Valentino, to name just a few. She also never misses a beat when it comes to breaking the internet with a red carpet look.
Credit: Getty Images
While the actor looks unabashedly every inch the star in each and every ensemble she sports, there’s a hidden meaning behind each of them, which you may have missed until now.
Zendaya’s looks, which are the brainchild of her longtime stylist Law Roach, all coincide with the theme of the event she’s attending, or indeed the film she’s promoting. It’s almost like a game of red carpet fancy dress, as far as Zendaya’s concerned.
Credit: Getty Images
The floor-sweeping dazzling haute couture Valentino gown she wore to this year’s Oscars? Well, come dressed as the award you want to win, why don’t you? The futuristic chainmail vest she wore to promote her upcoming sci-fi thriller, Dune? It was so on-brand, it might as well have been lifted straight from the set of the film (if it wasn’t Vivienne Westwood Couture, that is).
In short, there’s nobody more deserving of a Fashion Icon award than a star who manages to weave a hidden meaning into any and all of her ensembles. These are a few of our favourites.
On the red carpet of the film Space Jam: A New Legacy, Zendaya confirmed to reporters that her colourful Moschino look was indeed “inspired by Lola”.
As a modern-day Mary-Jane (aka MJ), Zendaya looked every inch the leading lady in this Spiderman-inspired sequin get-up, courtesy of Armani Privé.
Attending a Dune photo call this week, the actor dressed for the assignment in a futuristic chainmail Vivienne Westwood number.
Attending the premiere of her hit teen drama Euphoria in 2019, Zendaya sported a youthful snow-white tulle mini dress by Nina Ricci.
To attend the Essence Black women in Hollywood event earlier this year, Zendaya sported a vintage YSL ensemble, which was previously owned by Eunice Johnson, founder of the groundbreaking celebration of Black beauty in fashion, Ebony Fashion Fair.
Images: courtesy of Getty.
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