Zendaya Revisits Early Style Magic in L’Agence Dress and Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals

Zendaya has never been one to treat a casual daytime event as an excuse to hold back—and her appearance at Children Mending Hearts’ “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser is a perfect example of how her early style instincts still hold up today.

Honored alongside fellow young Hollywood names, including Teen Wolf cast members, Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell, and U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant, the actress brought her signature blend of ease and polish to the Malibu charity event, which supports creative and educational programs for underserved youth worldwide.

Zendaya added playful charm to her polished look with a cheeky wink, showcasing her bronzy makeup, bold brows, and signature topknot

Wearing a breezy black-and-white L’Agence maxi shirtdress and leaning into her now-classic combination of effortless hair and statement footwear, the then-18-year-old demonstrated a level of confidence and styling savvy that would soon make her one of fashion’s most-watched figures.

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—such as topknots and high heels—to create the illusion of added height or further elongate their silhouettes.

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:

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 a boot and a gladiator style. 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:

These moments highlight Zendaya’s ability to seamlessly blend fashion-forward footwear with her distinctive style, solidifying her status as a modern style icon.