Her gowns are performances, her suits bold declarations, her style a modern legacy
Zendaya Maree Stoermer Coleman has grown from a Disney Channel star into
one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors and fashion leaders. Born in 1996 in Oakland, California, she first caught attention in Shake It Up and later broke through with films like Spider-Man: Homecoming and her Emmy-winning role in Euphoria. Yet, beyond her acting, Zendaya has carved a unique place in fashion history. Each red-carpet appearance feels like a performance, a moment where she seamlessly blends storytelling, artistry, and cultural references. On her birthday, she stands not just as an actress but as a global muse who redefines what red-carpet glamour can mean.
Fashion as Emotional Armor
For Zendaya, fashion is never accidental. She has often explained that clothes give her a sense of strength, referring to them as a kind of “emotional armor.” The idea is simple yet profound—when she steps into a bold gown, an intricately tailored suit, or an avant-garde silhouette, she also steps into a persona. It is part protection, part expression. This philosophy sets her apart from many of her peers. Where others see fashion as decoration, Zendaya views it as a means of character-building. Every public appearance becomes an extension of her artistry, and in doing so, she has turned the red carpet into a stage.
Met Gala as Her Stage
The Met Gala has been her most striking showcase. In 2015, she arrived in a Fausto Puglisi dress with a sunburst motif, introducing her flair for theme-driven dressing. By 2018, she fully embraced the “Heavenly Bodies” theme, appearing as Joan of Arc in silver Versace armor—an unforgettable symbol of resilience. A year later, she became Cinderella in a light-up Tommy Hilfiger gown, complete with a fairy godmother moment on the stairs. After a five-year hiatus, her 2024 return featured two iconic looks: a dramatic Maison Margiela creation with theatrical details, and a Givenchy gown that reimagined floral motifs with power. In 2025, she shifted gears with sleek tailoring, wearing a white Louis Vuitton suit that nodded to Bianca Jagger’s style revolution. These weren’t just looks; they were performances that told stories.
Defining Favorites and Iconic Choices
Zendaya’s own favorite red carpet moments reveal much about her artistry. She has highlighted the hot-pink Tom Ford breastplate from the 2020 Critics’ Choice Awards, which merged modern sculpture with fashion. Her Joan of Arc look remains close to her heart, symbolizing courage and defiance. Another favorite, the Moschino butterfly gown at the premiere of The Greatest Showman, showcased her love for whimsy and fantasy. These choices show that her fashion journey isn’t only about elegance, but also about play, boldness, and narrative.
Honoring Legends Through Fashion
Zendaya’s collaborations often carry historical weight. In 2022, she wore a Bob Mackie archival gown from 1998, reviving an era of fearless glamour. In 2024, she honored Cher at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in another Mackie original, shimmering with beaded brilliance. These looks weren’t random—they were respectful nods to icons who paved the way. She has a gift for bringing archival fashion back to life, introducing younger audiences to designers and legacies they may not be familiar with.
The Power of Collaboration with Law Roach
None of this could exist without the creative partnership between Zendaya and Law Roach. Known as her “image architect,” Roach has been central in shaping her narrative-driven style. Together, they plan every look as if it were a chapter in a story. Whether it’s digging through vintage collections or commissioning futuristic designs, their teamwork has made Zendaya a fashion reference point. Even when Roach announced his retirement, their collaboration continued to prove that true creative partnerships go beyond industry roles.
Influence Beyond the Carpet
Zendaya’s impact extends beyond fashion circles. Her choices have inspired younger stars to view red carpets differently—not as obligatory photo ops but as creative platforms. She has also initiated conversations about representation, leveraging her visibility to spotlight Black designers and emerging talents. Each time she steps out, she pushes the conversation on what it means to blend art, history, and individuality in fashion.
