Zendaya’s Style Evolution: From Bold Early Red-Carpet Looks to Sculptural Sci-Fi Glamour

Zendaya has never been afraid of a bold beauty or fashion risk—and she’s spent the better part of the last decade proving that fearless choices can evolve into defining style signatures.

From the much-debated mullet she championed in 2016 to the sleek, sculptural elegance she brought to the Dune premiere in 2021, her red-carpet evolution shows a performer who understands the power of reinvention.

This article revisits two standout looks from two different chapters of her career, highlighting how her aesthetic has sharpened and matured while retaining the confidence that has always set her apart.

Just days before attending the premiere of Dune on October 18, 2021, in London, Zendaya defended the mullet hairstyle she rocked with Giuseppe Zanotti platform sandals at the 58th Grammy Awards in February 2016.

Zendaya rocked a mullet hairstyle for the 58th Grammy Awards held in February of 2016 (Credit: Adriana M. Barraza / WENN)

“You started making things interesting when you did that David Bowie look [at the 2016 Grammys],” InStyle’s Laura Brown said in her interview with Zendaya.

Royal Mail stamp showing David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust with his bright red mullet hairstyle inspired by Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto (Credit: Royal Mail / WENN

“I know. I got dragged for my mullet at the time, but kids love mullets now. I’m happy about my David Bowie mullet,” Tom Holland’s girlfriend responded.

1. Sculptural Sci-Fi Glamour: Rick Owens Sequined Column Gown at the Dune Premiere (2021)

For the Dune London premiere, Zendaya embraced full sci-fi glamour in a white sequined Rick Owens Fall 2021 column gown, complete with an exaggerated sculptural neckline that framed her face, an asymmetric one-sleeve silhouette, and a subtle train that shimmered under the lights.

Timothée Chalamet in Alexander McQueen and Zendaya in Rick Owens at the premiere of Dune held at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on October 18, 2021, in London, England (Credit: Mario Mitsis / WENN)

Styled by Law Roach, the look was finished with Bulgari diamonds—including a Serpenti Viper coil bracelet climbing her bare arm—while her sleek braided up-do and violet-toned makeup kept the focus on the gown’s architectural drama.

Beneath the sweeping hem, she reportedly wore off-white Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps, a sharp 120 mm stiletto that added height and maintained the gown’s seamless, futuristic line.

Zendaya styled her sequined Rick Owens Fall 2021 ivory column gown with Bvlgari stud earrings and glittering rings (Credit: WENN / MEGA)

Before her era of sculptural sci-fi glamour, Zendaya’s early red-carpet style told a very different story—one rooted in youthful boldness and vibrant color. That contrast is especially clear when we look back to 2013.

2. Bold Early Glamour: Dolce & Gabbana Lace Dress & Tabitha Simmons “Harmony” Boots (2013)

Zendaya rocking huge Danielle Queller earrings (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

In November 2013, Zendaya Coleman was among the youngest celebrities to attend Alicia Keys’ 2013 Keep a Child Alive (KCA) Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.

Zendaya wearing a Dolce & Gabbana lace dress (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

The then-17-year-old American actress, singer, and dancer once again proved her style credentials in an all-red ensemble at the annual ball.

Zendaya elevates her monochromatic moment with bold red Tabitha Simmons “Harmony” ankle boots that perfectly echo the rich lace texture of her Dolce & Gabbana dress

Zendaya wore a Dolce & Gabbana lace dress, styled with massive Danielle Queller earrings, a glittery clutch, and red ankle boots.

Zendaya at Keep a Child Alive’s 10th Annual Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on November 7, 2013 (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Do you like Zendaya’s red-on-red look, or do you think she would have been more elegant if she had chosen a classic pair of heels?

Zendaya got her suede “Harmony” boots from the Tabitha Simmons Fall 2013 collection.

Zendaya in red Tabitha Simmons ankle boots (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

They feature scalloped cuffs, pointed toes, and perforations along the slanted shafts for added style. Although they seem to have a wide-leg opening, buckled straps at the back are also available.

Tabitha Simmons “Harmony” Boots, $1,195

Tabitha Simmons “Harmony” Boots in Black, $1,195

Tabitha Simmons “Harmony” Boots in Gray, $1,195

More Zendaya Shoe Moments on Your Next Shoes

Zendaya’s fashion journey spans futuristic couture, bold early red-carpet statements, and everything in between.

For readers who want to explore more of her most memorable shoe moments, Your Next Shoes has documented some of her standout looks across the years.