At 25 years old, Zendaya became the youngest CFDA Fashion Icon Award recipient, a testament to her transformative impact on the industry. With stylist and creative partner Law Roach, Zendaya has established a reputation for pushing boundaries, crafting narratives, and continuously reinventing herself. Together, they’ve become fashion’s favourite duo, blending history, modernity, and artistry to create unforgettable moments, cementing her status as a global style icon.
The Beginnings: A Fashion Blueprint
Zendaya and Roach began their collaborative relationship when she was 14, a young Disney star on Shake It Up. Early in their partnership, they faced challenges—many designers were reluctant to dress the then-unknown actress. To navigate these barriers, Roach employed creative strategies, including dressing Zendaya in the same outfits previously worn by established celebrities. This tactic landed her in “Who Wore It Best” segments in fashion magazines, generating buzz and securing her a spot on the style radar.
During New York Fashion Week 2014, long before she became a household name, Roach ensured Zendaya would be photographed by sending her to the epicentre of NYFW, Lincoln Center; dressed in striking outfits and most importantly, confidence. This deliberate move caught photographers’ attention and fueled curiosity. Each appearance built intrigue, with photographers eagerly awaiting her arrival. Coverage by Women’s Wear Daily and The Fashion Police launched her as a street-style star.
One pivotal moment in their partnership came at the 2015 Oscars. Though invited to the event, Zendaya was not scheduled to walk the red carpet. Undeterred, she made her mark by stepping onto it in a white Vivienne Westwood gown, paired with dreadlocks. The look sparked widespread conversation and showcased her commitment to making bold, cultural statements.
The Role of Vintage and Storytelling
In the early days, Roach leaned into his roots: vintage fashion. Having started his career as the owner of Deliciously Vintage in Chicago, Roach had an eye for archival pieces. At the time, major fashion houses including Chanel, Saint Laurent, and Dior, hesitated to work with Zendaya making vintage the perfect avenue to create standout looks.
Vintage fashion on red carpets was not as celebrated as it is now. Previously, celebrity stylists strived to secure heavily guarded custom-made looks for their clients. Now, however, Zendaya’s early embrace of archival designs has helped make vintage a revered element of red carpet dressing.
Red Carpet Evolution
Zendaya and Roach never shied away from taking risks. When Zendaya stepped onto the red carpet for the Justin Bieber: Never Say Never premiere in 2011, wearing an eye-catching silver mini-skirt, the world wasn’t viewing her as a fashion icon—but Roach already was. That moment may not have screamed high fashion—it was very much a product of its time—but it set the tone for their fearless approach to style.
Fast forward to today, Zendaya’s red carpet appearances epitomise iconic fashion moments. Despite her meteoric rise, she has never worn Chanel, Saint Laurent, or Dior on a red carpet—a decision firmly rooted in their early reluctance to work with her. From a custom Balmain leather gown sculpted to her body at the 2021 Venice Film Festival to an archival Thierry Mugler cyborg suit from the Fall/Winter 1995 couture collection at the 2024 Dune: Part Two premiere, she continues to redefine the boundaries of red carpet fashion.
Her 2019 Met Gala appearance remains one of her most renowned moments. Dressed in a glowing Cinderella gown by Tommy Hilfiger, she paid homage to her Disney roots while signalling a new chapter in her career. This look marked her shift into more mature roles in Euphoria and a new chapter in her career.
Although Zendaya’s style has evolved over the years, the confidence and risk-taking that defined her earliest moments with Roach remain a constant.
Method Dressing
Although not the inventors of method dressing, Zendaya and Roach’s approach undoubtedly holds space in celebrity fashion. By tying her looks to themes or projects, Zendaya’s wardrobe extends her storytelling beyond the screen.
This was evident during The Challengers press tour, where Zendaya’s sultry, athletic looks mirrored the film’s tone. Ariana Grande’s Wicked press tour embraced whimsical, otherworldly elements tied to the film’s narrative. Similarly, the Barbiecore styling of the Barbie press tour reflects Zendaya and Roach’s influence on using fashion as a storytelling tool.
Signature Versatility
Unlike many celebrities who develop a defined aesthetic, Zendaya’s strength lies in her versatility. Roach avoided pigeonholing her, instead building a persona that adapts seamlessly to any role, mood, or occasion.
A consistent element in her wardrobe, however, is the Christian Louboutin So Kate pump. Early in their partnership, Roach made Zendaya practice walking in these signature heels, which have since become a staple in her red-carpet appearances.
Her versatility extends to her hair and makeup, which are often integral to her looks. Zendaya’s hairstyles have ranged from pixie cuts to waist-length hair, always intentionally chosen to enhance the mood of her outfit. Her makeup choices, whether subtle or bold, are equally deliberate, ensuring they amplify her overall vision without detracting from the look.
Street Style
Zendaya’s red carpet looks may dominate headlines, but her street style deserves equal recognition. Building on the momentum from her days at Lincoln Center, Zendaya’s street style commands attention with its effortless yet intentional appeal. Her off-duty wardrobe blends comfort and sophistication, often featuring neutral tones, clean silhouettes, and understated glamour.
She frequently favours brands like Fear of God, The Row, and Jacquemus, pairing oversized blazers with tailored trousers or relaxed knitwear. Even her casual ensembles feel intentional, highlighting her ability to make everyday style impactful.
Zendaya the Style Icon
Zendaya’s influence in fashion lies in her adaptability, confidence, and ability to craft a narrative through what she wears. From her beginnings as a Disney star to her rise as a recognised style icon, she has transformed fashion into a tool for shaping identity and redefining celebrity style.
At every stage of her career, Zendaya has underscored that fashion is more than just clothes—it’s a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and cultural impact. Her bold choices and innovative vision cement her as one of fashion’s most influential figures today.
