Zendaya made waves once again when she stepped out at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, drawing attention from fashion lovers and fans around the world. The red carpet photos spread rapidly online, with many people stopping to take a closer look at the actress’s carefully chosen ensemble. Her appearance quickly became one of the most talked-about moments of the evening. It was yet another reminder of why Zendaya consistently ranks among the most influential style figures in Hollywood today.
The actress chose to wear a vintage white dress from Caché, a label known for its bold and glamorous designs. The gown featured a single-shoulder silhouette with an oversized flower detail positioned prominently across the front. That flower became the focal point of the entire look, giving the outfit a theatrical and unforgettable quality. Images of the dress began circulating on social media almost immediately after the event, with many fashion fans commenting on the piece’s rich history.
Her longtime stylist, Law Roach, took to Instagram to share the outfit and explain the story behind it. He expressed his excitement about finding the piece with the caption “And just like that I found it!” Roach also highlighted that the original garment dates back to the 1980s and was created by designer Eugene Alexander. The legendary Whitney Houston famously wore the same design, and a shorter version of the look was later spotted on Sarah Jessica Parker while she portrayed Carrie Bradshaw on screen.
Zendaya’s overall look stayed true to the vintage spirit of the dress. Her hair was styled short and softly waved, evoking the kind of glamour associated with classic Hollywood. The makeup was polished but understated, complementing the drama of the outfit without overpowering it. Her beauty team shared that the eye look featured Cherry Stax lashes from Lashify, while her lips were finished with Plume Lip in Châtaigne Grillée from Violette_FR and layered with On Top in Nude Sparkle from Sarah Creal Beauty.
Zendaya and Chelley Bissainthe attend the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards. pic.twitter.com/qGslQEpRwX
— ˚ʚ♡ɞ˚ (@metgalacrave) March 13, 2026
The Essence Awards appearance comes at an especially busy moment in Zendaya’s career. She has a long lineup of high-profile film and television projects that have fans eagerly anticipating what comes next. One of the most awaited is ‘The Drama,’ a romantic thriller produced by A24 that places her opposite Robert Pattinson. The film is directed by Kristoffer Borgli and centers on a couple confronting serious personal challenges on the eve of their wedding.
She is also returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ once again playing MJ alongside Tom Holland. The two will additionally share the screen in ‘The Odyssey,’ a major film from director Christopher Nolan inspired by the ancient Greek story. That cast also includes Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, with Zendaya expected to take on the role of Athena. On the television side, the long-awaited new season of ‘Euphoria’ on HBO is generating considerable buzz, with reports suggesting the story will jump forward in time as characters navigate life after their school years.
Rounding out her packed schedule is ‘Dune: Part Three,’ the continuation of Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed science-fiction saga. Zendaya will return to the desert world of Arrakis as her character’s journey continues. Her involvement in such a wide range of projects, from prestige drama to blockbuster franchise filmmaking, speaks to her growing range and ambition as a performer. She has firmly established herself as one of the most sought-after actresses working in the industry today.
For those less familiar with the event, the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards is an annual celebration hosted by Essence magazine that honors Black women who have made significant contributions to the entertainment world. It has grown into one of the more prominent award gatherings centered on representation and achievement in Hollywood. The Caché brand that produced Zendaya’s dress was a well-known American fashion label popular through the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s for its occasion wear and eveningwear before eventually closing its retail locations. Designer Eugene Alexander’s work from that era has experienced a quiet revival, with pieces from those decades being rediscovered through celebrity styling and the broader vintage fashion movement. Law Roach himself is widely regarded as one of the most influential celebrity stylists working today, having built Zendaya’s fashion identity over many years and consistently incorporating rare archival pieces into her most memorable public appearances.
Share your thoughts on Zendaya’s vintage look and her upcoming projects in the comments.
