Zendaya and her stylist Law Roach have been embracing sporty looks throughout the Challengers press tour, paying homage to the film’s tennis theme. Some notable looks include her Loewe tennis ball heels and striped Vivienne Westwood ensemble. However, Zendaya surprised fans with a stunning ballgown moment designed by Carolina Herrera. This striped, full-skirted formal dress is a recreation of garments worn by tennis pros Venus and Serena Williams in a May 1998 issue of Vogue. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the original image featuring the Williams sisters remains a favorite of Gordon, the designer of Zendaya’s gown.
The Williams sisters were quickly rising in the tennis world at the time of their Vogue feature, and now over two decades later, Herrera designer Wes Gordon and stylist Law Roach have revived the classic gown for Zendaya. The dramatic silhouette and black and white stripes pay homage to the iconic image, with Zendaya completing the look with white beads in her hair. This elegant gown was a fitting choice for Zendaya’s Challengers tour, adding a poignant nod to two of the tennis world’s most famous figures. While other looks on the press tour have directly referenced tennis, this thoughtful approach to recreating a classic gown stood out as one of Zendaya’s best looks yet.
The recreation of Venus and Serena Williams’ iconic Vogue photoshoot in the Carolina Herrera gown was a stylish and sentimental nod to the tennis legends. The gown’s striking silhouette and bold stripes captured the essence of the original image, while Zendaya’s white beads added a modern twist to the ensemble. The collaboration between Gordon and Roach successfully brought new life to a timeless piece of fashion history, showcasing Zendaya’s ability to seamlessly blend past and present in her red carpet looks.
The May 1998 Vogue photoshoot featuring the Williams sisters was a milestone moment in fashion and tennis history, capturing the rise of two powerhouse athletes in a stunning editorial spread. By revisiting this iconic image through Zendaya’s Challengers press tour wardrobe, the fashion world paid tribute to the impact of Venus and Serena Williams on and off the court. The choice to recreate the Carolina Herrera gown for Zendaya added a layer of depth and meaning to her looks, proving that fashion can be a powerful form of storytelling and cultural reverence.
Zendaya’s Carolina Herrera ballgown moment not only showcased her fashion prowess but also served as a reminder of the enduring influence of Venus and Serena Williams in both sports and style. The timeless elegance of the gown, paired with Zendaya’s modern interpretation, created a striking visual tribute to the Williams sisters’ legacy. As the Challengers press tour continued to captivate audiences with its sporty and stylish ensembles, Zendaya’s Carolina Herrera look stood out as a highlight, blending classic glamour with a touch of contemporary flair.
Overall, Zendaya’s nod to Venus and Serena Williams through her Carolina Herrera ballgown was a poignant and artful homage to two tennis legends. The recreation of the iconic Vogue photoshoot highlighted the enduring impact of the Williams sisters on the worlds of fashion and sports. By incorporating this historic reference into her press tour wardrobe, Zendaya demonstrated her ability to infuse storytelling and cultural significance into her fashion choices. The Carolina Herrera gown not only added a touch of classic glamour to Zendaya’s looks but also celebrated the achievements and influence of two trailblazing athletes in a meaningful and stylish way.
