As you know, I’m a fan of Zendaya and Law Roach’s meticulous dressing technique during the Challengers promotional tour. But you are also probably aware that not everyone finds it appealing. A few think it’s overly literal, while others are tired of seeing the actress in green and white, which I completely understand.
Lo and behold, during Challengers’ most recent promotional week, Law Roach finally dressed the Dune star in outfits with subtle references to the sports drama. And I must admit, I adore it just as much as I loved her previous promotional looks.
Zendaya makes a glamorous swerve from tennis whites as she promotes her upcoming sports drama Challengers in Los Angeles this week (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
A Glamorous Swerve: Zendaya in a Lingerie-Style Black-and-Pink Gown
Zendaya dressed differently this time than she did for the movie’s international press tour.
Making a glamorous swerve, the 27-year-old actress opted for high fashion with a sensual twist, wearing a black-and-pink lace corset gown designed for her by Vera Wang for the Los Angeles premiere of Challengers. It’s a far cry from her tennis whites and greens that literally paid homage to her tennis prodigy-turned-coach character, Tashi Duncan, in the movie.
Though some may find Zendaya’s clothing choice excessive, I have to say that I’m digging it. Vera Wang sometimes goes overboard with her creations, but Zendaya’s gown, which added a glamorous touch to the sports drama film premiere, is a well-designed piece, in my opinion.
Zendaya looks every bit the leading lady in her custom black-pink Vera Wang gown at the Los Angeles premiere of Challengers at Westwood Village Theater in Los Angeles on April 16, 2024 (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The voluminous black-and-pink gown, held in place by thin spaghetti straps, had a sultry corset bustier top with velvet panels, sheer lace inserts, and nude underlay that helped protect the Spider-Man star’s modesty. The boning structure encircling the bodice drew further attention to her tiny waist, while the attached garter belt, resting atop the voluminous pink skirt, enhanced the gown’s alluring style.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the black tulle lace peeking through the center slit. I thought it was unnecessary; the gown would have looked better with just a daring slit in its stead. Still, I adore the billowy skirt, especially the dramatic train, which made me think of pink cotton candy.
Although her shoes were hidden, I assume she was sporting Christian Louboutin heels, as she has been seen wearing them a lot throughout the promotional tour.
Zendaya’s custom Vera Wang gown features a black lace corset bodice and a voluminous pink skirt with a dramatic train (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Minimalist Jewelry and Makeup
Given the dramatic nature of the gown, I applaud Law Roach for sticking to minimalist jewelry, only adorning Zendaya’s ensemble with a set of Bulgari diamond stud earrings and a Bulgari High Jewelry diamond ring.
The hairstyle doesn’t appeal to me. A neat bun is more presentable than an undone ballerina bun created by hairstylist Ursula Stephen. It was finished with an “airy, whimsical texture” that looked sloppy.
On the other hand, Ernesto Casillas enhanced the Euphoria actress‘ beautiful features with soft pink makeup, which went well with her dress. She wore mascara and peachy-pink eyeshadow to accentuate her eyes and applied pink blush and lipstick to match.
Zendaya wears her curly hair in a ballerina bun and highlights her features with peachy eyeshadow, rosy blush, and pink lipstick (Credit: Xavier Collin / Image Press Agency / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Pantless in Archival Ralph Lauren
With Challengers set to hit US theaters on Friday, April 26, Tom Holland’s girlfriend has begun touring the press circuit this week.
On Thursday, she dropped by the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios dressed in a gray blazer. Notably, she refrained from wearing tennis whites and made no overt references to the film.
The thing is, it wasn’t your typical gray blazer; Law Roach pulled the outfit from Ralph Lauren’s Spring 1992 collection. And ICYDK, Ralph Lauren is the first-ever fashion designer in Wimbledon history to partner with The All England Lawn Tennis Club, providing uniforms for its on-court officials.
Zendaya heads to the Jimmy Kimmel Live studios in a gray blazer mini-dress to promote Challengers on April 18, 2024 (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
I think Law Roach made a pretty clever move there, and I dig his subtle reference to the film.
Proving she looks good in anything, Zendaya embraced the no-pants trend and wore the vintage blazer as a mini dress, giving off a chic yet edgy vibe. It has notched lapels, a double-breasted style, and black buttons.
Zendaya mimicked the 1992 runway look, except for the pants. She accessorized with a polka-dot pocket square, a patterned black-and-white tie, and a white shirt underneath.
Zendaya goes pantless and wears an archival Ralph Lauren blazer as a mini-dress with a pocket square and a patterned necktie (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Zendaya’s Sleek, Minimal Accessories and Glam
I wasn’t surprised she paired her blazer dress with white Christian Louboutin “So Kate” shoes because she wore them nonstop throughout the Challengers promotional tour. Interestingly, they complement whatever she wears, demonstrating how versatile white pumps are.
She added minimal jewelry to the look, wearing just a pair of tiny hoop earrings and a statement ring, most likely from Bulgari since she’s an ambassador for the Italian luxury fashion house.
Zendaya teams her blazer mini-dress with her go-to white Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)
Regarding her glam, Ernesto Casillas used warmer tones to accentuate Zendaya’s features. He applied peachy eyeshadow with heavy eyeliner and mascara to highlight her eyes and used rosy blush and pink lipstick to complete the look.
Ursula Stephen pulled the actress’ darker blonde hair back into a ponytail, preventing strands from falling down her face.
Zendaya wears warm makeup and styles her honey-blonde locks in a ponytail (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages)