Zendaya is the recipient of the CFDA’s annual fashion icon of the year award. At 25, she’s the youngest to join the list of honourees that includes Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez. The recognition comes at no better time, coinciding well with her impressive roster of films and achievements for 2021. She has Dune and Spider Man: No Way Home under her belt, and is the spokesperson for fashion brands Bulgari and Valentino, having made her debut for the latter house right before the new year.
Zendaya’s work with Image Architect Law Roach has only continued to inspire awe as the duo have constructed outfits that pay homage to iconic moments – and people – throughout history. With every red carpet, Zendaya champions the designer she’s wearing, emerging or renowned, and perfects a pose that will bring her look justice.
“I think about red carpets as having their own characters and narratives. We build a little story for all the looks. It’s like an extension of my acting career in a weird way – you just pop this wig on or whatever it is. Clothes sometimes are very emotional, so I get to embody these different facets – maybe they’re of myself, or maybe they’re alter egos. But I get to meet these different women through clothes,” she told InStyle this year.
To reminisce about her every appearance with us, click through the slideshow ahead, which is even sprinkled with videos of red carpet dresses that didn’t quite make it to the step and repeat, but still deserve every bit of acknowledgment.
Getty / Samir Hussein
Zendaya in Rick Owens at a UK Screening of Dune
Zendaya finished the futuristic look with Bulgari Serpenti jewellery.
Getty / Tim P. Whitby
Zendaya in Vivienne Westwood at the Dune Photo Call
Zendaya stunned in a corset made of brass chains at the London Film Festival.
Getty / Ian West - PA Images
Getty / Emma McIntyre
Zendaya in Loewe at the Women in Film Honors
Zendaya snatched this look straight off the spring/summer 2022 runway, finishing the gold-plated statement number with Christian Louboutin pumps and Dinosaur Designs earrings.
Getty / Kristy Sparow
Zendaya in Alaïa at the Dune Photo Call in Paris
Zendaya had the honour of wearing one of designer Pieter Mulier’s first collections for the house of Alaïa, choosing this aubergine perforated knit set that was styled with Jimmy Choo pumps and Bulgari jewels.
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Zendaya in Balmain at the Venice Film Festival
Zendaya tried on the “wet look” dress for size in a Balmain number that was crafted using an exact model of her bust and finished with Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps as well as Bulgari emeralds.
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Zendaya in Valentino Haute Couture at the Venice Film Festival
Zendaya looked chic and nonchalant at the Dune photo call in separates from Valentino Haute Couture and Christian Louboutin pumps.
Getty / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
Zendaya in Moschino at the Space Jam 2 Premiere
Zendaya’s silk colourblock coordinates were inspired by Lola Bunny and even came complete with a basketball-embellished face mask, made by her mom. Her outfit was finished with Christian Louboutin pumps and Bulgari jewels.
Getty / Axelle/Bauer-Griffin
Robert Ector
Zendaya in Valentino Haute Couture at the Critics' Choice Awards
Zendaya was the youngest recipient of the SeeHer Award at the event, where she wore this voluminous fluorescent skirt made from scuba, silk, organza, and taffeta with Bulgari drop earrings and rings.
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Zendaya in Maison Valentino at the Oscars
Zendaya’s look was an ode to Cher’s variety show style and the stunning, midriff-baring design even glowed in the dark. She wore Jimmy Choo heels and her Bulgari diamonds were valued at over $6 million.
Getty / Randy Shropshire
Zendaya in Vintage YSL at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards
Zendaya’s top was originally part of a dress worn by Eunice Walker Johnson, the late Black businesswoman who started the Ebony Fashion Fair and championed Black models and designers during the ’60s and ’70s. The Yves Saint Laurent design hails from 1982 and is part of Law’s personal archive.
