Zendaya’s White Backless Louis Vuitton Dress Symbolises ‘Where She Is Right Now’
Clothes tell a story, and on Monday night, Zendaya and her longtime stylist and creative director, Law Roach, made a sartorial statement about where the actress 'is' in life as she heads into awards season. To receive the coveted Spotlight award at the Gotham Awards, the pair chose a custom white Louis Vuitton gown with an open back. It was partly a nod to her role in Challengers, Roach said, but it was more symbolic of Zendaya herself at this exact moment.
The actor accessorised very minimally with Bulgari jewellery on purpose. The look 'was really about a beautiful girl and a beautiful dress,' explained Roach.
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'It feels in the same vein as this character we created for Tashi Duncan [Zendaya’s Challengers character], but it’s not as character-driven as the press tour,' he added, noting it represents the 'subtle ease and glamour' of the character.
'It’s a little carry-over—maybe it’s Tashi a few years later,' he said. 'But it’s mostly Zendaya, and where she is right now.'
Naturally, she brought the dress to life as she posed in it:
Zendaya spoke to ELLE for the September 2023 issue about how playing Tashi marked the start of a new chapter in her career. 'I felt like it was a good step into a more, I guess you could say, "grown-up" role and into that next phase,' she said. 'It was a little scary to take on, which I think is a good feeling. To be like, "Ooh, can I do this?" You could run from that feeling and stay safe and comfortable, or you can go, "You know what, fuck it."'
She confessed that she still doesn’t fully get Tashi, even after wrapping the project. 'I still don’t understand the decisions she makes, and we had so many conversations about why she is that way,' the actress shared. 'What was important to me was that she was unapologetic. Sometimes characters who are messy and conflicted and wield power over other people are reserved for [actors] who don’t look like me, so when I get an opportunity to play a character like that, I’ma take it!'
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