Zendaya Reinvents Her Buzziest Red Carpet Look 11 Years Later With Old-School Bridal Tradition
Zendaya has long established herself as a multi-hyphenate: actor, singer, dancer, and, of course, fashionista. Zendaya has had a stunning beauty transformation, growing up before the world's eyes into a sophisticated leading lady. Naturally, Zendaya has also proven that she's not afraid of fashion risks, which she did yet again when she turned an age-old outfit faux pas about re-wearing outfits into an unforgettable moment on a 2026 red carpet. At the premiere of her film "The Drama" on Tuesday, March 17, Zendaya wore a dress that she'd already stepped out in years prior: an ivory Vivienne Westwood gown that she donned at the 2015 Oscars.
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This time, Zendaya wore the outfit with a minimalist hairstyle. She chose a short cut with side-swept bangs, looking like a classic jazz starlet from the 1920s, and the tips of her hair curled slightly as they caressed the sides of her face. Her makeup included rouge cheeks and glossy lips in a shade of rosy brown, and she accessorized with dangly earrings that included tiers of diamonds. Basically, we were breathless.
"The Drama" itself was the inspiration behind Zendaya's throwback outfit choice. Her character in the film is approaching her wedding day, and the floor-length sleeveless dress could easily pass for a bridal gown. Of course, it's also customary for a bride to have "something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue" with her as she walks down the aisle. Zendaya confirmed this sentiment to Variety at the premiere, saying about the dress, "This is my 'something old.'" A gorgeous gown that was suitable for the Academy Awards is certainly a wise choice!
Zendaya's Oscars look led to a major controversy in 2015
Attending the Academy Awards is a huge honor for actors, and Zendaya's first time at the awards show was in 2015. She dazzled on the red carpet in her elegant, off-the-shoulder Vivienne Westwood gown that hugged her body perfectly. We know that bridal fashion is trending for everyday looks, but we love to see it working on the red carpet, too. Zendaya wore her hair in a half-up, half-down style, and she accessorized with pearl earrings, a chunky bracelet, and a peach-colored clutch.
Unfortunately, not everyone was fond of Zendaya's get-up, with one panelist on the E! series "Fashion Police" being quick to share their dislike. When reviewing Oscars looks, commentator Giuliana Rancic said that the Emmy-winning actor "smells like patchouli oil or weed" (via ABC News). Viewers criticized Rancic's remarks, noting that the comment felt racially charged. Zendaya herself issued a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, to denounce Rancic's comment, calling it "ignorant slurs and pure disrespect." She detailed how the panelist's comments were "outrageously offensive," as they perpetuated stereotypes. In response, Rancic apologized on the air during an episode of "E! News," which Zendaya accepted in a statement posted to Instagram.
Years later at the premiere of "The Drama," Zendaya reflected on the 2015 Oscars, telling Variety that it was "such an important moment for myself, my community, for my loved ones." Now, the dress has even more story trailing behind it.