Zendaya hit the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards on Thursday night in Los Angeles wearing a white and gold Eugene Alexander dress that simultaneously paid homage to Whitney Houston and Sarah Jessica Parker’s “Sex and the City” character Carrie Bradshaw.
The “Challengers” star wore the one-shoulder white dress with a formfitting silhouette and gold statement orchid detailing at the shoulder. Paired with Christian Louboutin white pumps, Zendaya’s look also incorporated Cartier jewelry pieces, including Trinity ring and stud earrings and the Love Unlimited bracelet.
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As for glam, the mononymous star’s hair was coiffed in a curly Parisian-inspired “bixie” with a side part. Makeup highlights for Zendaya included bold brows, a smoky eye and a glossy lip. Image architect and stylist Law Roach, Zendaya’s longtime collaborator, curated the actress’ look.
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The Eugene Alexander dress has a storied history that dates back to the late 1980s. In March 1987, Grammy Award-winning singer Houston wore the dress for a promotional stint, flaunting the ornate floral appliqué work at the shoulder in a euphoric photo spread.
It was nearly 20 years later when the dress saw a revival for the 2008 film iteration of the Emmy Award-winning HBO series “Sex and the City.” In the film’s opening montage of New York City, Carrie Bradshaw wears the dress while walking on the sidewalk.
Zendaya is no stranger to wearing vintage and archival pieces. During her “Challengers” press tour in 2024, the actress channeled method dressing, wearing tennis-inspired pieces including a Ralph Lauren white mini dress from the early 1990s.
Working in tandem with Roach, Zendaya’s red carpet wardrobe has also included vintage Bob Mackie designs and Thierry Mugler’s 1995 robot suit, which she wore at the “Dune: Part Two” world premiere in London in February 2024.
Held at the Fairmont Century Plaza, the annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards featured stars such as Kerry Washington, Chase Infiniti, Halle Bailey and “Sinners” Oscar nominee Wunmi Mosaku. The event celebrated the entertainment industry’s talented Black women and their impact on the culture in front of and behind the camera.