At only 27 years old, Zendaya has cemented herself as a true fashion icon. The actress, who started on Disney’s Shake It Up, has spent years in the limelight captivating the public with her bold and daring fashion choices. With an innate ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms, she (along with her “image architect” Law Roach) has carved a niche as a trendsetter who fearlessly embraces her individuality.
Her red carpet looks are often marked by jaw-dropping ensembles that leave a lasting impression, showcasing her fearless approach to fashion. But we also can’t leave out her equally amazing beauty moments, such as when she wore faux locs to the 2015 Academy Awards or a red curly bob to the Met Gala. Yet, these all pale in comparison to her scene-stealing performances in HBO’s Euphoria and critically acclaimed films such as Spider-Man, Dune, and Challengers.
Although it’s nearly impossible to choose favorites, here are our top 12 fashion and beauty moments from the star.
1.
Source: Getty Images/Brendon Thorne
We can’t get enough of this effortlessly chic look! Zendaya wore her natural waves with a white suit jacket and skirt to the 2019 GQ Australia Men of the Year Awards.
2.
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This was a major hair and fashion moment for Zendaya. She strutted the Critic’s Choice Award carpet with brown knotless braids and a pink Tom Ford breastplate.
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The starlet attended the Dune: Part Two premiere earlier this year in a vintage Thierry Mugler gynoid suit. She kept the attention on the ‘fit by slicking her hair back.
4.
Source: Getty Images/Arnold Jerocki
In true tennis-core fashion, Zendaya looked effortlessly chic during her Challengers press tour. She wore blonde highlights, a long cream skirt, and a polo-esque sweater.
5.
Source: Getty Images/Kirstin Sinclair
Micro triangle bangs and bone straight hair?! Talk about out-of-this-world. The actress stunned in Schiaparelli Couture and a sci-fi-inspired hairdo.
6.
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Zendaya glided on the Spider-Man: No Way Home red carpet in butt-length stitch-braid cornrows and a dazzling Valentino gown with spider web details.
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Source: Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer
Taking a page from Spider-Man’s Mary Jane, Zendaya dyed her hair a deep red shade and wore soft, old Hollywood waves—a perfect look for the 71st Primetime Emmys.
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For the Australian premiere of The Greatest Showman, the actress stepped out in a butterfly wing gown from Moschino’s Spring 2018 runway collection. She styled her hair in gorgeous finger waves.
9.
Source: Getty Images/Vittorio Zunino Celotto
Loewe plus Zendaya equals a match made in heaven! The 27-year-old wore custom Loewe head-to-toe (literally) and a chic half-up, half-down hairstyle.
10.
Source: Getty Images/Angela Weiss
The actress accepted the 2021 CFDA’s Fashion Icon Award in jumbo knotless braids and a custom red Vera Wang bandeau and bubble-peplum skirt. She’s also the youngest person to receive a CFDA award.
11.
Source: Getty Images/Noam Galai
Zendaya went full Joan of Arc at the 2018 Met Gala. She rocked a custom metallic Versace gown and a red bob wig. The ultimate slay!
12.
Source: Getty Images/ Stefania D’Alessandro
The Dune star made a splashing appearance at the 2021 Venice Film Festival. Wearing a nude leather Balmain dress, the actress gelled back her long, wavy hair and left out two curly tendrils for the ultimate “wet” look.
From her innovative “tennis ball” heels to her daring braids and breastplate, Zendaya consistently pushes the envelope for us all, redefining what it means to be fashionable. Her willingness to experiment with unconventional hairstyles and looks is why she’ll always and forever be labeled an icon in our books.
