In June 2015, Zendaya Coleman was among the young celebrities honored at Children Mending Hearts’ seventh annual “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser, held on a Sunday afternoon at a private estate in Malibu, California.
The cast of Teen Wolf, Pretty Little Liars’ Shay Mitchell, and United States Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant were also recognized at the charity event, which benefits disadvantaged youth around the world.
Zendaya added playful charm to her polished look with a cheeky wink, showcasing her bronzy makeup, bold brows, and signature topknot
The then-18-year-old actress, who rarely disappoints in the style department, arrived at the fundraiser in a breezy L’Agence maxi shirtdress featuring black-and-white stripes, a spread collar, a V neckline, a self-tie belt, quarter sleeves, and a vented hem.
Zendaya looked effortlessly chic in a black-and-white striped L’Agence maxi shirtdress paired with bold Stuart Weitzman gladiator sandals, oversized hoop earrings, and a sleek topknot at the 2015 “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser
She carried a black crossbody bag and glammed the casual look with large hoop earrings, rings, bracelets, and a watch. Her topknot hairstyle and bronzy makeup completed her look.
Zendaya at the Children Mending Hearts 7th annual “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser at a private estate in Malibu, California, on June 14, 2015 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Celebrity Style Hacks: Elevating Looks With Topknots and Heels
Many celebrities employ strategic styling choices—like topknot hairstyles and high heels—to create the illusion of added height or further elongate their silhouette. Even statuesque stars like Zendaya, who stands tall at 5’10” (178 cm), use these tricks to enhance their presence on the red carpet. Here are some standout examples:
Zoë Kravitz’s Sky-High Topknot and Heels
- Event: New York premiere of The Divergent Series: Allegiant
- Outfit: Zoë Kravitz enhanced her 5ft 1in frame with a sleek, sky-high topknot and high heels, creating an elongated silhouette.
- Footwear: She paired her look with stylish heels that complemented her ensemble.
- Read more: Zoë Kravitz’s Height and Heel Game: How She Adds Inches With Style
Angela Scanlon’s Chic Topknot and Statement Pumps
- Event: Lulu Guinness Paint Project launch
- Outfit: Angela Scanlon showcased a punk-inspired look with a chic topknot hairstyle.
- Footwear: She wore bold Joanne Stoker pumps featuring playful pompom details, making a striking fashion statement.
- Explore her style: Angela Scanlon Stuns in Punk-Inspired Look at Lulu Guinness Paint Project Launch
Jennifer Lopez’s Sleek Topknot and Louboutin Heels
- Event: “World of Dance” For Your Consideration event
- Outfit: Jennifer Lopez donned a Sergio Hudson leopard-print dress, complemented by a tight topknot hairstyle.
- Footwear: She completed her ensemble with Christian Louboutin “Follies Resille” pumps, adding a touch of elegance.
- Read more: Jennifer Lopez and Jenna Dewan’s Iconic Black Heels Moment
These celebrities demonstrate how combining topknot hairstyles with high heels can effectively enhance one’s stature and overall appearance.
Zendaya’s Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals: A Bold Throwback
The bold pair of black sandals peeking out from under Zendaya’s dress were the Stuart Weitzman “Backview,” a stylish cross between boot and gladiator styles. Though this design is sold out, you can explore newer Stuart Weitzman styles at Nordstrom and Zappos.
They are made of pebbled leather and feature bold side cutouts, open toes, elastic straps with Velcro fastenings at the back, gunmetal stud accents, and 1-inch stacked heels.
Stuart Weitzman Backview Leather Gladiator Sandals, $535
Stuart Weitzman Backview Leather Gladiator Sandals in Pecan, $535
Stuart Weitzman Backview Sandals in Snakeskin, $535
Zendaya’s Iconic Heel Moments: Elevating Style with Every Step
Known for her statuesque presence and fearless fashion choices, Zendaya consistently turns heads with her impeccable footwear selections. From red carpet events to press tours, here are some of her most memorable heel moments:
Christian Louboutin So Kate Pumps: A Signature Choice
- Event: Tiffany & Co. Paper Flowers Launch
- Outfit: Zendaya channeled Jackie O. in a Dice Kayek Fall 2014 Couture dress.
- Footwear: She completed the look with Christian Louboutin’s ‘So Kate Bubble’ pumps, featuring a polka-dotted design with a latte-colored overlay atop a black patent leather base.
- More Details: Zendaya’s Jackie O.-inspired look with Louboutin So Kate Bubble pumps
Neon Glamour: Jimmy Choo Heels at the 2021 Oscars
- Event: 93rd Annual Academy Awards
- Outfit: Zendaya dazzled in a neon yellow Valentino Haute Couture cutout gown.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with matching Jimmy Choo “Minny” sandals, creating a cohesive, monochromatic look.
- More Details: Zendaya’s bold Valentino gown and Jimmy Choo heels at the 2021 Oscars
Method Dressing: Loewe Tennis Ball Heels for ‘Challengers’ Press Tour
- Event: ‘Challengers’ Photocall in Rome
- Outfit: Zendaya wore a custom Loewe tennis dress adorned with glistening crystals.
- Footwear: She took method dressing to new heights with Loewe pumps featuring neon green tennis balls pierced into the stiletto heels.
- More Details: Zendaya’s tennis-inspired Loewe look with unique heels
Retro Vibes: White So Kate Pumps with Floral Erdem Dress
- Event: ‘Challengers’ Press Tour
- Outfit: Zendaya donned a floral Erdem dress with green and yellow hues, layered with a tulle petticoat for a 1950s retro look.
- Footwear: She paired the dress with white Christian Louboutin ‘So Kate’ pumps, her go-to footwear during the press tour.
- More Details: Zendaya’s retro ensemble with white Louboutin So Kate pumps
Monochromatic Elegance: Louis Vuitton Pumps at the 2025 Golden Globes
- Event: 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards
- Outfit: Zendaya wore a burnt orange silk satin bustier gown with a dramatic train, custom-designed by Louis Vuitton.
- Footwear: She completed the look with matching burnt orange pointed-toe stiletto pumps, also by Louis Vuitton.
- More Details: Zendaya’s custom Louis Vuitton ensemble at the 2025 Golden Globes
These moments highlight Zendaya’s ability to seamlessly blend fashion-forward footwear with her distinctive style, solidifying her status as a modern style icon.