FASHION
Zendaya's Iconic Look at the "Dune 2" Premiere in London
Sarah Renard - Madame Figaro
19-February-2024
At the "Dune 2" premiere in London, Zendaya made an unforgettable entrance in an outfit that has been the talk of social media for its bold and sensational appearance. Dressed by her stylist Law Roach, who knows precisely how to spotlight her, this particular look may just be one of her most memorable. The 27-year-old actress arrived wearing armor from Thierry Mugler's Fall-Winter 1995-1996 haute couture collection. Another iconic appearance was the one adopted by Miley Cyrus at the Grammy Awards, which you can check in our article Miley Cyrus Makes Waves with Eighties-Inspired Look at Grammy Awards.
This robotic ensemble features metallic parts with transparent sections revealing Zendaya's body, particularly around the arms, thighs, posterior, and chest. The outfit accentuates the shoulders and hips with multiple shells, and the actress completed the look with metal gloves and integrated high heels. Adding to the ensemble's impact, Zendaya wore a diamond and sapphire necklace from Bulgari.
The inspiration behind this look comes from Fritz Lang's 1927 film "Metropolis." Thierry Mugler, almost fifty at the time, showcased this combination at the Cirque d'Hiver in Paris, celebrating twenty years of his brand. The French designer, influenced by the silent black-and-white dystopian film, transformed the feminine figure into a gynoid being. This creation, both a costume and a garment, was immortalized by Helmut Newton for the American edition of Vogue in November 1995. It has transcended time, worn by Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, and Cara Delevingne, and was ultimately taken out of the archives for Zendaya. Photos of the actress have flooded social networks, highlighting this iconic look.
A director at heart (initially aspiring to a career in dance, then theater, and later interior architecture), Thierry Mugler left a significant mark on the fashion scene as a pioneer of spectacle runway shows from the 1970s. He transformed women into fabulous, mystical creatures, sometimes cats, sometimes bees, living by the mantra: "My measure is excess." Zendaya's stylist would undoubtedly agree.