In the fashion universe, Zendaya deserves a superhero title as her powers mean she is a fearless experimenter who is never afraid to try the most outlandish of looks. Even if it means suffering in the name of style while doing so — case in point this practically sprayed-on silver robot suit and that infamous custom Tom Ford breastplate that had to be molded to fit her breasts.
Here the superstar (and fashion's new superhero) shares the story behind breastplate-gate, while we thrust the spotlight on all the times Zendaya went viral for her heartstopping style choices and why some almost didn't happen.
Zendaya sure knows how to draw attention to her films. She's been slaying the press tours for both Challengers and Dune: Part Two. (We could insert a whole lot of tennis puns here since the movie Challengers revolves around the sport, but we're taking the high road.) The actress is a big risk-taker and not even uncomfortable heels and robot bodysuits can deter her from flexing her sartorial muscle. Special shout-out here to her super stylist Law Roach, who works with Zendaya to make sure her outfits always make a statement.
Now you may envy Zendaya, thinking how glamorous it must be to travel the globe wearing gorgeous designer creations. But, trust us, it's hard work. Need proof? Take Thierry Mugler's robot ensemble. Originally presented in 1995, it obviously wasn't designed to be worn IRL. Did that stop Zendaya? No. Although the superstar now says the viral moment almost didn't happen.
Zendaya recently confessed that she felt lightheaded decked out in all that metal. "I think after wearing it for like 10 minutes or less than that, I got really lightheaded," she admits. "The metal conducts and holds onto heat very quickly and kind of traps heat in." Luckily for all of us, she went through with the plan, proving that she's up for almost anything. FYI: Zendaya reappeared on the red carpet after slipping into something more comfortable.
That isn't the only time Zendaya was superhuman. For the Rome photocall of Challengers, she leaned into tenniscore by sporting a glitzy plunging dress and what we're guessing are nearly impossible to walk in Loewe custom-made, tennis ball-accented heels. Yet again Zendaya made it look like a piece of cake.
Another one of her looks was a tad tricky, although not to the extent of that Mugler suit and those tennis-inspired pumps. At the Dune: Part Two premiere in New York City, Zendaya rocked a rather revealing Stéphane Rolland haute couture long-sleeve white gown with a cut-out that flashed some serious skin. We don't know how or if Zendaya could sit down in such a well-ventilated piece.
So we salute you, Zendaya. Your uncanny ability to make donning these restrictive looks look like a breeze is no simple feat. We only wish we had the capability to flaunt designer wares so successfully no matter how conceptual.
