Zendaya’s The Odyssey press tour has become a masterclass in method dressing. From custom Louis Vuitton pumps at the Paris premiere to elegant Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps at both the London premiere and London photocall, every appearance has subtly referenced Christopher Nolan’s epic fantasy film, in which she portrays the Greek goddess Athena.
After wrapping up the European leg of the tour, Zendaya returned to New York City for a day of The Odyssey press appearances. Arriving at the Today show studios with longtime stylist Law Roach, she embraced her most overt goddess-inspired look yet in a vintage Alberta Ferretti mini dress adorned with cascading gold chains and a pair of striking Sophia Webster gladiator sandals.
Zendaya later changed into a white Jacquemus Spring 2027 cutout dress and Jacquemus Tourni kitten heels for her on-air interview.
Zendaya heads to the Today Show studios to promote The Odyssey, wearing a goddess-like Alberta Ferretti mini dress with Sophia Webster gladiator sandals on July 13, 2026, in New York City (Credit: Roger Wong / INSTARimages)
The dramatic combination balanced mythological inspiration with modern luxury, transforming Athena’s warrior spirit into a sophisticated high-fashion statement. Here’s a closer look at one of Zendaya’s most memorable outfits from The Odyssey press tour.
Zendaya Arrives at the Today Show in Sophia Webster Clementine Gladiator Sandals
Zendaya brought a striking goddess-meets-high-fashion-warrior aesthetic to her arrival at the Today show studios, blending old-world romance with a modern edge. The dramatic styling offered a direct visual reference to her role as Athena in The Odyssey, while remaining polished enough for a contemporary New York press appearance.
Her shoes took the look to another level. Gladiator sandals naturally bring a strong mythological energy, and Zendaya fully leaned into it with the Sophia Webster “Clementine” sandals from the label’s Fall 2014 collection. While the British shoe and accessories designer is known for her feminine and playful designs, this pair had a much bolder, edgier look.
The knee-high sandals were made of thin cordlike gunmetal straps that twisted and knotted down the front, creating a sculptural pattern around the legs. Suede panels and corset-style lacing ran up the back and ended in tassels, while open toes, side zips, and slim stiletto heels kept the shape sleek.
These sandals gave Zendaya’s outfit a bold warrior-princess finish without making it look too costumey. Knee-high gladiators may not be for everyone, but I honestly thought they were the highlight of the look. They were summery and definitely a refreshing change from the Christian Louboutin and Louis Vuitton pumps she usually wears.
Zendaya swaps her all-time favorite Louboutins for Sophia Webster’s “Clementine” gladiator sandals in metallic gunmetal with suede panels and a corset back lacing (Credit: Elder Ordonez / INSTARimages)
Zendaya Pairs Vintage Alberta Ferretti Chain-Fringe Mini Dress With Sophia Webster Gladiator Sandals
Zendaya paired the sandals with a vintage white Alberta Ferretti mini dress from the Spring/Summer 2008 collection. It featured a plunging V-neckline that nearly reached her navel, with long gold-tone chain fringe cascading from the bodice to the short skirt. Draped over the soft chiffon, the metallic strands gave the dress a fluid, armor-inspired look while adding plenty of texture and drama!
A wide, jewel-like belt defined the waist and gave structure to the otherwise light, flowing fabric.
Zendaya pairs her gladiator sandals with a vintage white Alberta Ferretti mini dress featuring a plunging neckline and gold chain fringes along the front (Credit: Elder Ordonez / INSTARimages)
Zendaya Completes Her Athena-Inspired Look With Fope Jewelry and Textured Curls
Zendaya finished the outfit with Fope Prima Collection diamond pendant earrings and two Jessica McCormack rings: a Round Wire Fine Gold Band and an East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring.
Her textured curls completed the goddess energy, with soft volume and face-framing pieces that made the entire look appear fresh and a little wild.
Zendaya pairs Fope Prima Collection diamond pendant earrings with textured, face-framing curls for her arrival at the Today show studios (Credit: Elder Ordonez / INSTARimages)
More Celebrities Who Made Sophia Webster’s Gladiator Sandals a Signature Statement
Zendaya isn’t the first celebrity to transform Sophia Webster’s gladiator sandals into the focal point of an outfit. Long before the The Odyssey press tour, Jennifer Lopez wore the very same metallic Clementine sandal boots during her surprise appearance at Iggy Azalea’s 2014 We Can Survive concert, proving how the dramatic design commands attention both on stage and on the red carpet.
Other stars have embraced different interpretations of Webster’s lace-up gladiator aesthetic—from Cara Delevingne’s edgy street style and Jamie Chung’s Fashion Week ensemble to Chanel Iman’s rose-gold cage sandals. Together, these looks show why the British designer’s architectural heels remain enduring fashion favorites more than a decade after their debut.
👠 More Sophia Webster Gladiator Sandal Moments:
- ✨ Jennifer Lopez commands the stage in metallic Sophia Webster Clementine sandal boots, pairing the knee-high mirrored gladiators with a grommet-studded bra and shimmering fringe skirt.
- 🖤 Cara Delevingne gives Sophia Webster’s Lacey sandals a tougher edge with a sheer black blouse, zip-detailed leather mini skirt, and tassel-tipped lace-up heels.
- 🏙️ Jamie Chung styles black-and-white Sophia Webster Lacey gladiator sandals at New York Fashion Week, grounding her cropped cape and coordinating skirt with graphic, leg-lengthening straps.
- 🌹 Chanel Iman transitions into fall with rose-gold Sophia Webster Delphine cage sandals, letting the metallic gladiator heels shine beneath distressed jeans and a long knitted cardigan.