This triple threat entertainer has been taking sartorial risks since day one.Ariana MarshSara DelgadoKara Nesvig
And We Couldn’t Be More Happier About.
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CELEBRITY STYLE
Zendaya’s Fashion Transformation: Always Bold, Never Boring
This triple threat entertainer has been taking sartorial risks since day one.Ariana MarshSara DelgadoKara NesvigOCTOBER 19, 2021Composite: Getty Images
With a major award and a new Valentino partnership, Zendaya‘s status as a veritable fashion icon is undeniable – and it’s been this way for a while. The multi-hyphenate has us accustomed to daringly experimental looks that she always seems to somehow look killer in — no matter how elaborate or over-the-top they may be. From the array of hairstyles she’s tried out over the last few years to her well-documented penchant for epic suits, there’s nothing Z can’t pull off.
And the best part? That’s how her sartorial game has always been. Even as a young Disney star, way before Malcolm & Marie and Euphoria, the performer took major fashion risks and was never a snooze to look at on the red carpet. Don’t believe us? Click through the photos and watch Zendaya’s complete style evolution.Lia Toby/Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2021Zendaya arrived at the UK premiere of Dune in this stunning gown from Rick Owens’s Fall 2021 ready-to-wear collection — which looked as breathtaking from the back…Karwai Tang/WireImageOCTOBER 2021…as it did from the front.https://player.cnevids.com/interlude/teenvogue/iframe/?pageURL=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teenvogue.com%2Fgallery%2Fzendaya-fashion-transformation&pageType=amp-article&tags=zendaya&intcid=inline_amp&hasCompanion=0&analyticsUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.teenvogue.com%2Fgallery%2Fzendaya-fashion-transformation§ion=Style&subSection=Celebrity%20Style&Targeting=%7B%22cnt_copilotid%22%3A%5B%225582e375839e118968c1d4f0%22%5D%2C%22cnt_platform%22%3A%5B%22amp%22%5D%2C%22cnt_tags%22%3A%5B%22zendaya-fashion-transformation%22%2C%22fashion%22%2C%22celebrity-style%22%2C%22zendaya%22%5D%2C%22ctx_page_channel%22%3A%5B%22fashion%22%5D%2C%22ctx_page_slug%22%3A%22zendaya-fashion-transformation%22%2C%22ctx_template%22%3A%22amp-gallery%22%2C%22partner%22%3A%5B%22amp%22%5D%2C%22pos%22%3A%5B%22mid-content%22%5D%2C%22pos_instance%22%3A%5B%221%22%5D%7D#amp=1Ricky Vigil/GC ImagesOCTOBER 2021No thoughts — just Zendaya wearing a custom heart dress by Nensi Dojaka for the Dune premiere afterparty in London.David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner BrothersOCTOBER 2021Another look fresh off the runway, for a post-screening cocktail reception for Dune in London, Zendaya donned this ensemble from Peter Do’s Spring 2022 ready-to-wear collection. Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary PicturesOCTOBER 2021When in London, you wear Vivienne Westwood — or at least that what Z says.Emma McIntyreOCTOBER 2021File this Loewe look under Zendaya’s iconic breastplate moments.LUCAS BARIOULET/AFP via Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2021Styled by Law Roach, Zendaya posed in Paris wearing a very Janet Jackson-esque “Rhythm Nation”-style black tunic top and thigh-high leather boots from the Bottega Veneta Fall 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection. Wearing her hair in cornrows, she kept the look simple and impactful with minimal accessories, adding only a belt, a silver ring, and smoky grey Thomas Tait archive sunglasses.Kristy Sparow/Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2021Also in Paris, Zendaya brought yet another major look to the red carpet rocking a jaw-droppingly stunning burgundy two-piece set from Alaïa. The long-sleeved top fitted her perfectly and left her back completely bare, while the feathered fishtail skirt moved dramatically alongside Z with every step. We also love the big gold hoops and gold necklace, which added a touch of ‘70s glam but didn’t compete with the statement-making outfit.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2021And, yes, in case you were wondering, the cropped top was as stunning from the back as it was from the front.Courtesy of Valentino.SEPTEMBER 2021To celebrate her 25th birthday with Valentino’s creative director, Pier Paolo Piccioli, in Venice, Zendaya wore this chocolate brown organza and moiré faille puffed dress from maison‘s “Des Ateliers” haute couture collection.Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2021Zendaya played with masculine-meets-feminine details to kick off the Dune promotions on September 3 at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. The star wore an oversized tuxedo jacket over a low-cut white silk gown with a pop of pink near the waistline, also from the Valentino “Des Ateliers” collection. She wore the undone, model-off-duty look with a pair of classic black pumps.P. Lehman/Barcroft Media via Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2021The Dune Biennale run continued with a bang — aka. thewet-look leather Balmain dress that Z donned for the festival’s red carpet. Also styled by Law Roach, she wore the dress, which was custom-fitted to her body, with a pair of matching Louboutins and a bold emerald Bulgari necklace. She kept the wet look vibe going with her beauty look, styling her hair in finger waves.Screenshot. Courtesy of Law Roach/Instagram @luxurylawSEPTEMBER 2021According to Law Roach, we “didn’t see” this “could have been” summery white Dion Lee dress on Z in action, but we did get a peek of it via Instagram and we’re obsessed. The dress was the perfect end-of-summer piece, with major slits up both legs, a fluttering skirt, and a low neckline. Like many of Zendaya’s looks, it feels a bit ‘70s-inspired in shape but also extremely modern and chic.Screenshot. Courtesy of Law Roach/Instagram @luxurylawSEPTEMBER 2021The looks keep coming! Zendaya’s stylist Law Roach shared a video of the star catwalking down the hall in another potential piece for the event: a black and silver two-piece top and long skirt from David Koma. The top left Z’s midriff bare and a pair of Louboutin heels peeked out from under the skirt as she walked.Axelle/Bauer-GriffinJULY 2021Styled by Law Roach, Zendaya channeled Lola Bunny for the Space Jam: A New Legacy premiere in Los Angeles. The star donned a multicolored two-piece from Moschino and jewels from Bvlgari. “Lola inspired the look today,” Z wrote on her Instagram stories. “I don’t have the ears but the ponytail is close enough.” But the look she rocked on the red carpet wasn’t quite complete… cue the next image!Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images via GettyJULY 2021Zendaya rounded off her look with a face mask (because, pandemic) adorned with a very fitting basketball – made of rhinestones, of course. On Instagram, Zendaya revealed the face mask was actually handmade, “courtesy of my mama.” Love to see it!Bennett Raglin/Getty Images for BETJUNE 2021We will never get over Z’s style homage to 2003 Beyoncé.Matt Petit/A.M.P.A.S. via Getty ImagesAPRIL 2021Styled by Law Roach and paying homage to Cher, Zendaya absolutely rocked the Oscars 2021 red carpet in this breathtaking custom Valentino gown. She was also rocking Bulgari jewels and, though not visible here, Jimmy Choo heels. Extra points for her matching face mask.Randy ShropshireAPRIL 2021Zendaya attended the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards in L.A. clad in a dreamy periwinkle ensemble made of shining silk. Styled, of course, by Law Roach, Z stole the spotlight with the vintage Yves Saint Laurent Haute Couture piece from 1982, pulled from Roach’s own personal archive. According to the stylist, the piece originally belonged to businesswoman and fashion trailblazer Eunice W. Johnson.Courtesy of the Green Carpet Fashion Awards. OCTOBER 2020Styled by Law Roach, Z accepted her Visionary Award at the virtual Green Carpet Fashion Awards clad in a 1996 vintage gown from Versace and Bulgari jewels – a sustainable serve.https://6a1d71213f5e66926aacc5fe9f51202f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html?n=0Frank Ockenfels/ABC via Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2020From the comfort of her very own house, Zendaya accepted her Emmy for Euphoria in custom Armani Privé dress and Bulgari jewels.ABC via Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2020Earlier in the night, she walked the virtual red carpet wearing Christopher John Rogers, one of her most elevated looks to date.Steven Ferdman/Getty ImagesFEBRUARY 2020You can never go wrong with Rahul Mishra and Bulgari diamonds.JP Yim/Getty Images for FendiFEBRUARY 2020Styled like usual by Law Roach, Zendaya attended this Fendi event in NYC fittingly clad in Fendi’s ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2020 collection. To balance the muted look, she added a pair of killer Louboutin lace-up boots.Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesJANUARY 2020The 2020 Critics Choice Awards will forever be THE Zendaya look. From the custom Tom Ford molded bustier to her immaculate hair and makeup, everything is a 10.Steve Granitz/WireImageJANUARY 2020So good we also have to see it from the back.Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesJANUARY 2020Classic with an edge. For the AAA Arts Awards, Z opted for this Christopher Esber and a pair of the iconic “So Kates” by Louboutin in patent black.Rodin Eckenroth/WireImageNOVEMBER 2019Z went for Christopher Esber’s designs once again for the E! People’s Choice Awards in Santa Monica, but the feel of the look was worlds apart. Also paired with Louboutins, Law Roach went full luxury with the addition of diamond jewelry by Nadine.Jesse Grant/Getty Images for AudiNOVEMBER 2019Zendaya arrived at the premiere of Melina Matsoukas’s “Queen & Slim” wearing this haute couture caftan dress from Cameroun-born, France-based designer Imane Ayissi.FilmMagic/FilmMagic for HBONOVEMBER 2019Z knows how to mix high and low. She paired this all-back cozy outfit with some statement hoops and added a pop of color with some classic Manolo Blahnik pumps. Carrie Bradshaw, who?Getty ImagesNOVEMBER 2019Putting her spin on the classic suit, Zendaya wore a cropped jacket that featured a single button.Steve Granitz/WireImageOCTOBER 2019For the 2019 InStyle Awards, Z opted for a full Givenchy haute couture look complete with a structured peplum top and skinny black pants.Andreas Rentz/Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2019A classic black dress with a twist for the Tommy Hilfiger VIP Dinner in Zurich.Axelle/Bauer-GriffinOCTOBER 2019Decked out in silver, Zendaya looked totally stylish in this suit jacket and pant combo.Rosdiana Ciaravolo/Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2019Wearing your own designs to your own function? Iconic behavior.Michael Tran/FilmMagicSEPTEMBER 2019Zendaya stepped out of her comfort zone even more for the 2019 Emmy’s after-party with this Alexandre Vauthier couture floral dress.Noam Galai/Getty Images for Save The ChildrenSEPTEMBER 2019 Zendaya in an all-white power suit (from her Tommy X Zendaya collection) and red lip combo? As Lizzie McGuire would say, this is what dreams are made of. ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2019Donning a velvet suit and visor beret from her own Tommy Hilfiger collection, Z blew everyone away at the 2019 Fashion Media Awards.Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2019Zendaya was the epitome of glam in this green gown.Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2019Zendaya capped off 2019 with more epic suits, the first of which was this gray number.Kristy Sparow/Getty Images for LancomeJULY 2019Stunning is cutting it short. Zendaya announced her partnership with Lancôme in this gorgeous Georges Hobeika resort dress.Gary Miller/WireImageJULY 2019In custom Ferragamo for the 25th Essence Festival.Getty ImagesJULY 2019Zendaya stole the Paris Fashion Week spotlight with this white and black ensemble.Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for FendiJULY 2019We don’t know if we should look at the Colosseum or Zendaya.Getty ImagesJUNE 2019This lacy white gown is giving us major princess vibes.Getty ImagesJUNE 2019Zendaya took a cue from Spider-Man for this red and black gown.Getty ImagesJUNE 2019Zendaya rocking another suit. No surprises here!Getty ImagesMAY 2019Going as Cinderella, Zendaya ruled the 2019 Met Gala carpet.Getty ImagesJUNE 2018Zendaya rocked this brown dress with a oversized bodice.Getty ImagesMAY 2018A literal fashion knight in armor.https://6a1d71213f5e66926aacc5fe9f51202f.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-38/html/container.html?n=0Getty ImagesMAY 2018This #TBT look had us seeing ’60s. Along with her voluminous hair, the star wore a baby blue dress and polka-dotted heels.Getty ImagesMARCH 2018Looking totally sleek, Zendaya wore this neutral gown covered in sparkles with a simple top knot.Getty ImagesDECEMBER 2017Yep, that’s Zendaya with a blonde pixie cut. In addition to the shocking change in hair, she wore an equally mesmerizing dress.Getty ImagesDECEMBER 2017This beautiful gown turned our fave star into a butterfly.Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2017This ombre gown featured fringe and a palette of colors in red hues.Getty ImagesAUGUST 2017Zendaya literally sparkled in this pink sequined suit. She looked especially modern with a hairstyle of curls and fringe bangs.Getty ImagesMAY 2017Draped in bright summer-inspired colors and touches of a floral print, Zendaya looked radiant at the Rei Kawakubo-inspired Met Gala.Photo: Getty ImagesMAY 2015There’s no such thing as too much print when it comes to this daring fashionista’s ensembles, as made clear by this 3-piece pant/ bralette/ jacket look. We love that Zendaya always takes major sartorial risks because it ensures that every time she steps onto the red carpet—or even just onto the street—we won’t be bored or disappointed.Photo: Getty ImagesMAY 2015This is undoubtedly Zendaya at her sartorial peak. Just look at the detailing on the gorgeous train of her opulent Fausto Puglisi gown! The dress riffs on the high-low aesthetic but in an entirely different, more opulent, way and has a stop-and-stare quality that makes the singer impossible to miss. Complete with a sunburst coronne and elegant black pumps, Zendaya reigned supreme at this year’s Met Gala.Photo: Getty ImagesAPRIL 2015We love that Zendaya isn’t afraid to experiment with ensembles featuring bold colors or quirky appliqué s, like this awesome matching set. With a yolk yellow heel and long hair that’s parted in the middle, the fashion-forward singer looks far out.Photo: Getty ImagesFEBRUARY 2015Zendaya is a vision in her white Grecian goddess-inspired gown. As we’ve seen throughout her fashion evolution, Zendaya is not afraid to experiment with different hairstyles, and this half-up dreadlock ‘do is no exception. She is glowing!Photo: Getty ImagesFEBRUARY 2015Where do we even start?! This graphic ensemble has everything, from a fuzzy textured skirt to a printed statement coat. We love how Zendaya’s pixie cut allows her metal choker to really be seen and have a moment.Photo: Getty ImagesFEBRUARY 2015In this silky fuchsia and red number, Zendaya looks as pretty as a rose—due in part to the dress’ gorgeous petal-like skirt. We’d say this is definitely a superstar quality gown.Photo: Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2014We love the way Zendaya looks in this adorably mod outfit. The lime green coat adds an unexpected pop of color, while her patent shoes and drop waist dress look like they’re straight out of a Mad Men episode.Photo: Getty ImagesOCTOBER 2014In this gorgeous, voluminous Dior number, Zendaya looks like royalty herself.Photo: Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2014This outfit screams “fashion queen.” The hat is clearly the statement piece here, and it’s grandeur allows for an otherwise tame outfit to look immensely edgy and chic. We’re loving her smoky eye, too!Photo: Getty ImagesAUGUST 2014It’s refreshing and fun when young stars experiment with their hair, especially when they decide to go big and chop it all off! Though her ‘do might be reminiscent of the roaring 20’s, her hot pink mini dress with cut-outs and diamond-covered accessories are totally modern.Photo: Getty ImagesJUNE 2014We love a look that enlists the “less is more” mantra. Accessorized with stacks of metallic bangles and sleek straight hair, Zendaya’s oversized sweater dress allows her natural beauty to speak for itself.Photo: Getty ImagesMAY 2014Head-to-toe black looks major on Z. Not to mention a tailored jacket and culottes. Baring a bit of skin and standing tall in black pumps, the singer/actress looks sleek, sexy and mature.Photo: Getty ImagesAPRIL 2014The bright whites, lemon yellows, and ocean blues render this breezy ensemble perfect for spring. And the textured skirt? To die for.Photo: Getty ImagesAPRIL 2014In a slit dress and pointy-toed stilettos, Zendaya looks effortlessly sexy. The Disney child star has bloomed into a gorgeous young woman!Photo: Getty ImagesMARCH 2014In her Chanel booties and strings of pearls, Zendaya is channeling Coco herself like you’ve never seen. Accented with a red lip and tidy topknot, she looks tré s chic!Photo: Getty ImagesMARCH 2014What’s black and white and RED all over? Zendaya’s impeccable formal co-ord ensemble, complete with cherry lips. How stunning is she?!Photo: Getty ImagesNOVEMBER 2013Is it just us, or did Zendaya just mature 5 years since the last look? This cascading white ensemble is nothing short of angelic, only to be further heightened by all-silver accessories. She looks heavenly—and it’s not just because of her sky-high heels.Photo: Getty ImagesJULY 2013Wait, haven’t we seen her in metallic shorts before?! Sure, she’s in the same trend, but she’s wearing it in an entirely different—and much more casual—way. We love how the jersey tee and boyish trainers infuse the outfit with a sporty edge, while her shiny blue shorts add a fashion element. MVP material? Absolutely.Photo: Getty ImagesMARCH 2013We are in LOVE with this outfit! The co-ord’s fun print allows it to remain young and playful, while its expert tailoring and tudo-like jacket give it a touch of formality. And her bubblegum pink lips? So sweet!Photo: Getty ImagesMARCH 2013This is a new look for the star, with her jeweled collar, numerous wrist accessories and über fashionable tinted cat eye glasses. Are we starting to see the budding star experiment with the over-the-top looks that she’s currently wearing so well?Photo: Getty ImagesDECEMBER 2012We wouldn’t normally think of pairing a navy and red dress with hot pink heels, but after seeing how well Zendaya pulled the look off we’re going to reconsider.Photo: Getty ImagesJULY 2012The best part of this colorful ensemble? Her accessories! What’s better than a best friend on your arm and pop of silky lime green on your feet?Photo: Getty ImagesMAY 2011THIS is how you do metallic shorts. And a see-through watch.Photo: Getty ImagesJANUARY 2011We love this Little House on the Prairie-esque look, from the braided leather belt to the antique-looking print on her A-line dress.Photo: Getty ImagesSEPTEMBER 2010There’s a lot going on here but somehow she makes it work. Between combining contrasting prints with an array of colors and bold accessories, its clear that Zendaya is a mix master.Photo: Getty ImagesAUGUST 2010Even as a youngster, Zendaya was experimenting with her style by mixing the über girly with the downright edgy. Pairing a ruffled pink dress with studded sneaks, metal bracelets and a rocker-chic jacket, the young actress’ look has red carpet written all over it.Photo: Getty ImagesAUGUST 2010Staying true to her style, Zendaya pairs grungy combat boots with a perfectly sweet dress and denim button-up. Her floral necklace adds some color to the ensemble and makes it scream “summertime.”Sign up for the newsletter.E-mailSubmit
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