Zendaya has captivated fashion enthusiasts and critics alike with her memorable appearances at the Met Gala since her debut in 2015. Each year so far, she has gone all-in on the event’s themes, exhibiting her trademark flair, style, whimsy, creativity and imagination. From her whimsical Cinderella-inspired gown to her show-stopping 2024 outfits, Zendaya proves once again that she is always changing the game when it comes to style.
Her advocacy journey at the Met Gala started in 2015. She completely amazed all onlookers in a custom Fausto Puglisi dress that stole the show. The theme that year, “China: Through The Looking Glass,” inspired Zendaya’s powder blue gown, characterized by its corseted bodice, billowing tulle overlay, and puffy sleeves. This debut set the tone for her future appearances, highlighting her ability to adapt and innovate within the framework of the event’s themes.
A Dazzling Evolution
Zendaya’s evolution in fashion was evident in 2016 when she attended the gala wearing a dazzling gold Michael Kors dress. The sleek bowl cut hairstyle and bold smokey eye makeup complemented the futuristic theme of “Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology.” Michael Kors expressed his vision for Zendaya’s look, stating, “we wanted her to be Android… robot realness.”
In 2017, she knocked it out of the park again in an eye-popping Dolce & Gabbana floral and parrot printed dress. The theme that year, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between,” allowed Zendaya to showcase her playful side, further solidifying her status as a fashion icon.
The next year, she continued to astonish in a gorgeous Givenchy gown created by John Galliano. Her 20-foot long floral headpiece stole the show on the red carpet! Her subtle decisions worked in tandem to reveal her personal glamour. They uncovered her close involvement with the creative ideas that underlied each year’s theme.
Recent Highlights and Future Anticipations
Fast forward to 2024, Zendaya attended the Met Gala celebrating “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She displayed two insane fits based off of the event’s overarching motif. One of the most stunning was a ballgown in blues, blacks and forest greens by Maison Margiela. The second look wowed in a gown that sparkled and glowed as she strolled the carpet. This unexpected pick demonstrated her willingness to take risks and make sartorial statements.
Zendaya’s stylist, Law Roach, foreshadowed their separate entrance to the Met Gala 2025. This decision serves as an homage to her early inspirations. Roach has been instrumental in creating Zendaya’s memorable looks on the carpet and editorially through the years. He once remarked about their creative process, saying, “I dreamt of Joan of Arc one night and called Versace and was like, ‘What if we did something to reference Joan of Arc?” This collaborative spirit continues to define their partnership as they prepare for future events.
