Zendaya’s Shoe Evolution: From 2017 Ruthie Davis Sandals to 2022 Valentino Platforms

Zendaya has consistently defined red-carpet excellence through her ability to transform bold runway concepts into wearable art. From her early rise as a fashion “IT” girl to her status as a global brand ambassador, her footwear choices—ranging from towering platforms to sleek stilettos—are as calculated as her couture.

Below, we look back at two distinct moments in Zendaya’s style evolution, highlighting her mastery of the monochromatic trend and her affinity for statement-making heels.

2022: Valentino’s “Pink PP” and Towering Platforms in Paris

In March 2022, Zendaya made a definitive mark on Paris Fashion Week when she attended Valentino’s Fall/Winter presentation.

As the face of the luxury house’s “Rendez-Vous” campaign, she arrived at the venue in a striking head-to-toe ensemble that debuted a new era of “Barbiecore” elegance.

Zendaya commands attention in a head-to-toe Valentino “Pink PP” ensemble, pairing floral-appliqué trousers with towering platform pumps at the brand’s Fall/Winter 2022 show during Paris Fashion Week on March 6, 2022 (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)

“Pink is the color of love, community, energy and freedom,” Valentino explained in an Instagram post regarding the collection.

Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli collaborated with the Pantone Color Institute to develop this specific shade, dubbed “Pink PP.”

The Spider-Man actress commanded the room in a three-piece suit featuring an oversized blazer and matching flared pants, both intricately detailed with tonal floral appliques.

Underneath, the American actress wore a half-unbuttoned pink shirt, offering a glimpse of her cleavage.

Zendaya goes braless underneath her Valentino pink coat, pink blouse, and pink suit with floral appliques (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)

Continuing with the monochromatic pink theme of her look, Zendaya slipped into a pair of pink platform pumps also from the luxury fashion label’s Fall 2022 collection.

These leather pumps added several inches to her already tall frame. They appear to have patent-leather uppers, thick platforms about 2.5 inches high, and about 5-inch block heels.

Zendaya adds several inches to her already tall 5’10” height with pink Valentino platform pumps (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)

For her accessories, the youngest CFDA Fashion Icon winner coordinated with $250 Mini Natasha gold hoop earrings from American jewelry designer Jennifer Fisher, a $2,681 Julez Bryant long flat link 14k gold chain necklace, and a dainty pendant necklace.

She kept the look bold with dramatic cat eyeliner, heavy bottom eyeliner, brushed-up eyebrows, and nude lipstick. Her copper tresses were parted to the side and styled with flipped ends.

Zendaya wears dramatic cat eyeliner and wears her hair down with flipped ends (Credit: Laurent Zabulon / ABACA / INSTARimages)

Long before she was the face of Valentino, Zendaya was already a fixture on the high-fashion circuit, often favoring architectural silhouettes and bold textures.

2017: Sequined Sophistication at Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood

In August 2017, the then-rising star attended Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event in Los Angeles, where she was honored for her burgeoning influence in the industry.

Zendaya is on one of the covers for Variety‘s Power of Young Hollywood Issue (Credit: Zoey Grossman / Variety)

While her 2022 Valentino look relied on the power of a single, saturated hue, her 2017 ensemble showcased her ability to pull off intricate patterns and heavy embellishments.

Zendaya rocks a sequined Vivetta Fall 2017 Collection ensemble (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

While fellow honoree Chloë Grace Moretz kept her style classic, Zendaya went in the opposite direction in a modern Asian-inspired culotte-and-blouse pairing from Vivetta, featuring a cool gradient design and head-to-toe sequins.

At the time, the Shake It Up actress denied she was romantically involved with Tom Holland.

“We are friends. No [romance]. He’s a great dude. He’s literally one of my best friends. This past how many months we’ve had to do press tours together. There’s very few people that will understand what that’s like at 20 years old.”

Zendaya styled a millennial pink crystal-embellished suit with a towering pair of high heels (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

The American star chose Ruthie Davis “Elif” nude ankle-strap sandals to keep the focus on her extravagant pantsuit.

Zendaya in a Vivetta suit and Ruthie Davis “Elif” sandals for Variety’s Power of Young Hollywood event at TAO, Downtown Los Angeles on August 8, 2017 (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

We’ve spotted the blue version of these sandals on her before, so it’s safe to say Zendaya’s a fan of these leg-elongating ankle-strap heels.

Zendaya accessorized with Effy Jewelry rings and styled her voluminous curls in a disco-inspired look while wearing a sparkling Vivetta ensemble and nude Ruthie Davis “Elif” sandals (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

Zendaya shows off her feet in nude Ruthie Davis “Elif” ankle-strap sandals featuring slim stiletto heels and minimalist straps (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

More Zendaya Shoe Moments Worth Revisiting

From sky-high platforms to sleek stilettos and fashion-week statement boots, Zendaya’s style evolution shows just how central shoes are to the impact of her red-carpet and front-row looks. Explore more of her standout designer shoe and fashion moments below.