For Zendaya’s highly anticipated return to the Met Gala, she and her longtime stylist, Law Roach, truly outdid themselves.
After a five-year absence, Zendaya returned to the Met Gala, not just as a guest but as a co-chair. The “Challengers” star made a grand entrance in a custom Maison Margiela creation by John Galliano, drawing inspiration from a haute couture look he designed for Christian Dior in 1999. The gown, a deep blue and green masterpiece with a peacock-like design, perfectly embodied the “Garden of Time” theme. It was adorned with metallic birds, berries, and vines, and topped with a dramatic feather headpiece nestled into a hand-painted forest-green beret by renowned milliner Stephen Jones.
To complete her look, Zendaya sported iconic Margiela-inspired makeup, featuring thin brows, dramatic eyes, and doll-like skin, reminiscent of models from the fashion house’s acclaimed couture show in January.
As the night progressed, Zendaya surprised everyone with a stunning second outfit. She donned a black taffeta gown from Givenchy’s spring/summer 1996 collection by Galliano, sourced from the vintage store Lily et Cie in Beverly Hills. According to The New York Times, this dress was look No. 8 from Galliano’s debut collection for Givenchy, presented during a tumultuous period for the designer.
This second look held personal significance for Zendaya. Rita Watnick, the founder of Lily et Cie, explained to The New York Times that it symbolized “an investment in herself,” declaring that Zendaya is her own ambassador rather than representing a brand.
Zendaya and Roach completed this ensemble with a striking headpiece made from a bouquet of approximately two dozen roses, designed by Philip Treacy for Alexander McQueen’s spring/summer 2007 collection.
Zendaya has long been celebrated for her Met Gala appearances, thanks to the creative vision of her “image architect,” Law Roach. At her last Met Gala appearance in 2019, she captivated everyone by transforming a Cinderella-style Tommy Hilfiger gown on the red carpet, lighting up the skirt with a magical wand. This year, her dual looks further cemented her status as a fashion icon.