We can always count on Zendaya to deliver fabulous looks on the red carpet. She has impeccable taste, a keen eye for detail, and a fearless fashion sense — three things that make her a bona fide style icon. Zendaya consistently surprises us with her unpredictable sartorial choices, keeping us on the edge of our seats as we eagerly await her next look.
We think it’s safe to say that the 20-year-old singer and actress did not disappoint at the highly anticipated 2017 Met Gala.
Zendaya channels retro glam with voluminous disco curls that perfectly complement her bold Met Gala ensemble (Credit: WENN)
Other stars who impressed on the red carpet included Rihanna in a sculptural Comme des Garçons dress paired with red strappy thigh-high sandals, Blake Lively in a gilded Atelier Versace gown featuring a blue feathered train, and Selena Gomez in a custom Coach slip dress complemented by metallic ankle-strap sandals.
Zendaya ditched the avant-garde theme of the gala and stood out in a sea of metallic gowns and bland dresses. She floated down the red carpet in a vibrant number from the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Fall 2015 couture collection.
Zendaya stuns at the 2017 Met Gala in a vibrant off-the-shoulder Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda gown adorned with tropical parrots and a sweeping orange-lined train (Credit: Doug Peters / PA Images / INSTARimages)
Her decadent off-the-shoulder gown featured tropical hues and whimsical floral and parrot prints in addition to a sweeping train with a contrasting solid orange hem.
As if that wasn’t enough, Zendaya styled her hair in voluminous, disco-glam curls. They framed her gorgeous face and added a touch of elegance to her outfit. Gold jewelry and a bold orange lip perfectly complemented her breathtaking look.
Zendaya at the 2017 Metropolitan Costume Institute Benefit Gala held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, on May 1, 2017 (Credit: WENN)
Zendaya’s 2017 Met Gala look was a show-stopping moment that showcased her fearless style and flair for drama.
But it’s far from the only time she’s wowed on fashion’s biggest night. Let’s take a closer look at her most iconic Met Gala appearances through the years.
Zendaya’s Most Iconic Met Gala Looks
Zendaya has consistently captivated audiences with her bold and imaginative fashion choices at the Met Gala. Here’s a look back at her most memorable ensembles:
2024: Enchanting Garden-Themed Ensembles
- Event: 2024 Met Gala – Theme: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion”
- Outfit: Serving as a co-chair, Zendaya made a triumphant return after a five-year hiatus, showcasing three elaborate garden-themed ensembles. Her looks included a dramatic gown by Maison Margiela and a floral-inspired creation by Celia Kritharioti, perfectly aligning with the event’s “Garden of Time” dress code.
- Footwear: She embraced the Tabi trend, opting for green ‘Tabi’ pumps by Christian Louboutin for Maison Margiela, crafted from Eau de Nil velour and faux lizard with interlaced ankle straps.
- Discover more: Zendaya’s Triumphant Return to the Met Gala 2024
2019: A Modern-Day Cinderella in Tommy Hilfiger
- Event: 2019 Met Gala – Theme: “Camp: Notes on Fashion”
- Outfit: Zendaya transformed into a modern-day Cinderella, donning a custom light-up Tommy Hilfiger ball gown complete with puffed sleeves and a full skirt. Her stylist, Law Roach, played the role of fairy godmother, using a wand to illuminate the dress on the red carpet.
- Footwear: She accessorized with a glittering pumpkin-carriage Judith Leiber clutch and Stefere jewelry, embodying the fairytale theme from head to toe.
- Read more: Cinderella Zendaya Lights Up Pink Carpet in Fluorescent Tommy Hilfiger Dress
2018: Joan of Arc-Inspired Versace Armor
- Event: 2018 Met Gala – Theme: “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination”
- Outfit: Channeling Joan of Arc, Zendaya wore a custom silver Versace chainmail gown with structured armor-inspired details.
- Footwear: She paired the look with platform Jimmy Choo heels to enhance the knightly silhouette.
- Discover more: Zendaya Transforms into Joan of Arc in Versace Armor at the 2018 Met Gala
2016: Futuristic Glamour in Michael Kors
- Event: 2016 Met Gala – Theme: “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”
- Outfit: Zendaya dazzled in a shimmering one-shoulder golden gown by Michael Kors, featuring a high neck, a single long sleeve on the left arm, and a floor-sweeping train. The metallic fabric perfectly complemented her caramel complexion.
- Footwear: While her shoes were concealed beneath the gown, the ensemble’s futuristic aesthetic was accentuated by her overall styling.
- Details: She accessorized minimally with statement rings and completed the look with a sleek bowl-cut wig, bronzed smokey eyeshadow, and glossy lipstick.
- Read more: Zendaya Sparkles in Daring Valentino Outfit at 2022 Oscars
2015: Debut Elegance in Fausto Puglisi
- Event: 2015 Met Gala – Theme: “China: Through the Looking Glass”
- Outfit: For her Met Gala debut, Zendaya wore a striking Fausto Puglisi gown featuring a black velvet bodice and a crimson silk Duchesse asymmetric skirt adorned with hand-embroidered sun motifs. The ensemble was completed with a dramatic long train, showcasing her bold fashion sense.
- Footwear: She paired the gown with black pumps, adding a classic touch to her avant-garde look.
- Details: Zendaya accessorized with a gold and jewel-encrusted headpiece, arm bracelets, and rings, perfectly complementing the gown’s celestial theme. Her sleek hairstyle and natural makeup highlighted her youthful elegance.
- Read more: Red Carpet Royalty: 10 Best-Dressed Stars From the 2015 Met Gala
These unforgettable moments highlight Zendaya’s fearless approach to fashion and her ability to embody each Met Gala theme with creativity and flair.