When season two of the American mystery drama web television series The OA was released on Netflix on March 22, 2019, fans were surprised to discover Zendaya portraying Fola Uzaki, a gamer and puzzle enthusiast who helps Karim Washington (Kingsley Ben-Adir) with the overarching mystery of the narrative.
Zendaya as Fola Uzaki and Kingsley Ben-Adir as Karim Washington in the first episode of The OA’s second season
Zendaya appears in the first episode, “Angel of Death,” the fifth episode, “The Medium & the Engineer,” and the seventh episode, “Nina Azarova.”
She first appears when Karim, searching for the missing girl Buck/Michelle Vu (Ian Alexander), finds her in a rundown house.
Zendaya as Fola Uzaki in The OA Season 2, delivering a cryptic line about prophetic trances
Zendaya’s performance in The OA earned praise, but Netflix canceled the series after just two seasons on August 5, 2019. She did not join her co-stars at the premiere of The OA: Part II at the LACMA in Los Angeles.
Zendaya’s role in The OA was a departure from her usual high-fashion moments, showcasing her ability to fully embrace a character’s world—both in performance and style.
As Fola Uzaki, she exuded a laid-back, gamer-chic aesthetic with an oversized jacket, distressed jeans, and her signature dreadlocks, accessorized with her Leisure Society Tilman glasses.
Zendaya embraces a laid-back, edgy look in The OA, wearing distressed cropped jeans, a dark oversized jacket, and her signature dreadlocks with blue highlights (Credit: The OA)
This effortlessly cool, understated look is a stark contrast to the bold, high-fashion choices Zendaya makes off-screen. From cutting-edge red carpet gowns to power suits and statement heels, she’s built a reputation for fearless style—both in fashion and in using her platform for activism.
Zendaya’s Fearless Voice and Bold Fashion Choices
In October 2015, the then-19-year-old actress had already proven her toughness. Remember when she spoke up against Giuliana Rancic’s racial slurs?
Zendaya wears her hair up at the 6th Annual amfAR Inspiration Gala held at Milk Studios, Los Angeles, on October 29, 2015 (Credit: Brian To / Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)
Despite her bold personality, Zendaya effortlessly blends strength and femininity on the red carpet with stunning dresses and heels.
At the amfAR Inspiration Gala, she decided to shake up the fashion world with a menswear-inspired look by Dean and Dan Caten.
She also wore a menswear-inspired tuxedo suit from DSquared2’s Pre-Fall 2016 collection at the 2016 Grammy Awards. Check out Zendaya working the outfit on the gala’s red carpet below:
Zendaya shows off her legs in a Dean and Dan Caten menswear look at the AmfAR Inspiration Gala
Zendaya walked the red carpet in a gray shorts-suit, which she wore underneath a button-down collared shirt. The Disney actress finished her look with a pair of crystal-embellished heels. Her entire outfit is from Dsquared2.
Zendaya’s Latest Shoe Choices: A Masterclass in Style
Transitioning from her advocacy and bold fashion statements, Zendaya’s recent footwear choices continue to captivate fashion enthusiasts.
At the Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2025 show during Paris Fashion Week, she embraced retro-chic by pairing a boxy tuxedo blazer with a puffy mini skirt, complemented by classic pumps.
Earlier in the year, at the Challengers press tour in London, Zendaya showcased a playful side by donning a red, white, and blue striped ensemble from Vivienne Westwood’s Spring/Summer 1994 collection, pairing it with stylish heels.
These choices highlight her versatility and keen sense of style, seamlessly blending contemporary trends with timeless elegance.
Zendaya’s sexy feet in DSquared2 sandals, perfectly complemented by her vibrant orange pedicure
The actress effortlessly embodied the look, striking poised and confident poses highlighting her impeccable style.
Zendaya wears smoky eye makeup and statement earrings
Stepping Out in Style: Celebrities Who Love DSquared2 Shoes
DSquared2 has garnered a significant following among celebrities, who frequently showcase the brand’s distinctive footwear designs on various occasions. Here are some notable instances:
Rihanna in DSquared2 ‘RiRi’ Sandals
- Event: London Night Out
- Outfit: Rihanna stunned in a bold, all-blue Balmain ensemble, featuring a statement belt and a chic denim trench coat.
- Footwear: She completed her look with DSquared2 ‘RiRi’ sandals, a design named in her honor, blending edgy and high-fashion elements seamlessly.
- More Details: Rihanna’s DSquared2 ‘RiRi’ Sandals
Jennifer Hudson’s Elegant DSquared2 Charm Toe Pumps
- Event: Tiffany & Co. Blue Book Collection Gala
- Outfit: Jennifer Hudson graced the event in a yellow asymmetrical DSquared2 dress adorned with ruffles and a high slit.
- Footwear: She paired her ensemble with DSquared2 charm toe pumps in black satin, featuring bows and eye embellishments, adding a quirky yet elegant touch.
- More Details: Jennifer Hudson’s DSquared2 Charm Toe Pumps
Ariana Grande vs. Pixie Lott: The ‘Queen Mary’ Sandal Face-Off
- Event: American Music Awards & Single Release Celebration
- Outfits: Ariana Grande donned a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture beaded strapless dress, while Pixie Lott opted for a shiny green Saint Laurent strapless dress with a giant bow.
- Footwear: Both celebrities showcased the opulent DSquared2 ‘Queen Mary’ jeweled t-strap sandals featuring diamond and emerald-hued crystal embellishments.
- More Details: Ariana Grande vs. Pixie Lott in DSquared2 ‘Queen Mary’ Sandals
These instances highlight DSquared2’s appeal among celebrities, offering designs that range from bold statements to elegant classics.
Shop the Look: DSquared2’s Dazzling Crystal-Embellished Sandals
Zendaya’s heels are unavailable online, but check out the crystal-embellished sandals below from the geniuses of the designer duo, Dean and Dan Caten. Grab them while you can at Farfetch and Amazon.
DSquared2 “Barbed Wire” Sandals, $2,490
DSquared2 “Flower” Sandals, $1,050
DSquared2 “Queen Mary” Sandals, $1,850