Zendaya’s Red-Carpet Evolution: From Golden Michael Kors Glamour to Valentino’s Futuristic Minimalism

From futuristic gold gowns to minimalist couture, Zendaya has redefined modern red-carpet glamour with a fearless sense of individuality.

Her ability to shift seamlessly between eras — channeling old-Hollywood allure one moment and futuristic polish the next — has cemented her as one of fashion’s most dynamic forces.

On March 27, 2022, Zendaya brought her signature mix of modern glamour and old-Hollywood confidence to the red carpet in a custom Valentino Haute Couture ensemble at the Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.

Modern Minimalism Meets Red-Carpet Drama: Zendaya’s Bold Valentino Moment

Supporting her acclaimed film Dune, the Emmy-winning actress turned heads in a minimalist yet dazzling look that blended effortless sophistication with couture craftsmanship — a reminder of why she remains one of fashion’s most fearless red-carpet innovators.

Zendaya wearing Valentino with Bvlgari Serpenti jewelry at the 2022 Academy Awards on March 27, 2022, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood (Abby Grant / Cover Images / InstarImages)

Zendaya arrived solo — without boyfriend Tom Holland — and instantly set social media abuzz with her polished take on red-carpet rebellion.

She paired a cropped white silk blouse with a breathtaking silver organza skirt intricately embroidered with metallic detailing, creating a balance of effortlessness and high glamour that few stars can pull off.

While Zendaya is often spotted in sleek Christian Louboutin So Kate stilettos, her Oscars look took a bolder turn with Valentino’s Tan-Go leather platform pumps, proving that even a subtle change in silhouette can transform a red-carpet moment.

Zendaya dazzles in Valentino Haute Couture paired with Tan-Go leather platform pumps and stacked Bvlgari Serpenti bangles at the Academy Awards in Hollywood (Credit: Michael Baker / A.M.P.A.S.)

👠 Valentino “Tan-Go” Heels: A Modern Celebrity Favorite

Valentino’s Tan-Go platforms have become a red-carpet essential, blending nostalgic 1970s drama with contemporary elegance. From Rome to Paris, countless stars have embraced the sky-high silhouette — proving that a bold block heel can be just as glamorous as a stiletto.

Gilded Glamour: Bvlgari Serpenti Jewels & Valentino’s Modern Muse

Completing the look, Zendaya layered on shimmering Bvlgari Serpenti jewels — including stacked diamond-encrusted bangles and a sculptural serpent necklace that added a modern touch of luxury.

The custom ensemble was the vision of Valentino’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli, and styled by her trusted collaborator, Law Roach, whose partnership with Zendaya continues to define a new era of youthful red-carpet sophistication.

Zendaya in a tiny white Valentino silk blouse styled with a silver sequined skirt and stacked Bvlgari bangles (Abby Grant / Cover Images / InstarImages)

Old Hollywood Reimagined: Zendaya Channels Sharon Stone in Diamonds & Valentino

Zendaya’s jewelry included a white gold Viper necklace set with pavé diamonds, and stacks of Bulgari Serpenti Viper bangles on both arms and wrists.

Zendaya’s outfit was clearly inspired by Sharon Stone’s famous Oscar look from 1998. Considered one of the most memorable Oscar looks of all time, the Basic Instinct star wore her husband’s Gap shirt and a satin skirt by Vera Wang.

Sharon Stone in a Gap shirt and a Vera Wang skirt with her then-husband Phil Bronstein during the 70th Academy Awards ceremony held on March 23, 1998, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)

Zendaya Coleman is a red carpet chameleon. She never fails to wow us with her ever-changing hairstyles and daring outfits that perhaps nobody else could pull off.

Before cementing her partnership with Valentino, Zendaya had already established herself as a fearless fashion risk-taker — long before her Dune era. Her earlier red-carpet moments showcased a bold mix of youth, experimentation, and designer loyalty that hinted at the star power she would later bring to the Oscars stage.

Golden Beginnings: Zendaya’s Shimmering Michael Kors Moment at the 2016 Met Gala

Zendaya and Michael Kors at the Costume Institute Gala ‘Manus x Machina: Fashion in the Age of Technology’ held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 2, 2016 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

At the 2016 Met Gala and after-party, the then-19-year-old star once again proved her sartorial prowess in two gilded Michael Kors creations.

She arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the American designer himself, who rocked a tuxedo suit with a pair of metallic shoes.

Zendaya sported a futuristic bowl-cut wig, bronzed smokey eyeshadow, and glossy lipstick (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Zendaya sauntered down the red carpet in a shimmering one-shoulder golden gown, which perfectly highlighted not only her slender figure but also her caramel complexion. It featured a high neck, a single long sleeve on the left arm, and a floor-sweeping train.

She kept her jewelry to a minimum, featuring a selection of statement rings as her only visible accessory. To complete the look, she wore a futuristic bowl-cut wig and sported bronzed smoky eyeshadow and glossy lipstick.

Zendaya dazzles in a shimmering gold Michael Kors gown paired with metallic silver Stuart Weitzman Runway platform sandals featuring crisscross straps and block heels at the 2016 Met Gala (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

After the Gala: Zendaya Shines in a Daring Gold Michael Kors Mini Dress

For the after-party, the K.C. Undercover star traded her custom long gown for a glittery short dress, also by Michael Kors. It was more revealing, with a plunging neckline and a cutout across the midriff, both adorned with gold hoop trims.

Zendaya exudes after-party confidence in a glittering gold Michael Kors mini dress accented with hoop-trim cutouts and thigh-high Giuseppe Zanotti suede boots

She teamed the party outfit with a pair of racy thigh-high boots and a black blazer draped over her shoulders.

Layering effortless edge over glamour, Zendaya drapes a black velvet coat across her shoulders to complete her bold Michael Kors and Giuseppe Zanotti ensemble at the Met Gala after-party

Beauty-wise, she rocked the same wig and sultry makeup, but added a pair of dangling earrings to amp up the glamour.

Zendaya in a Michael Kors dress at the Met Gala 2016 after party (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Zendaya wore a pair of Giuseppe Zanotti boots. These sold-out boots have pointed toes, partial side-zip fastenings, and about four-inch stiletto heels.

Zendaya styled her Michael Kors dress with boots by Giuseppe Zanotti (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

You can find the most recent boots from the popular shoe designer at Farfetch and Amazon.

Zendaya in black knee-high Giuseppe Zanotti boots at the 2016 Met Gala after-party (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Zendaya in Giuseppe Zanotti suede knee-high boots (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Zendaya’s Red-Carpet Shoe Legacy

From debuting her own shoe line to redefining Hollywood elegance in Valentino and Michael Kors, Zendaya’s footwear moments tell a story of creativity, confidence, and evolution. Below, explore some of her most unforgettable shoe and fashion highlights featured on Your Next Shoes.