This was truly a Spidey-core look.
Zendaya is the undisputed queen of method dressing and red carpet style. Want some proof? A swift look at her Spider-Man: Brand New Day press run suffices, but if in doubt, her latest (and final) red carpet appearance at the film’s world premiere will offer additional evidence.
Z went all out to wrap up a spidey-infused press run that took her from New York to Shanghai, dressed in the most stylish looks, including oversized tees, archival fashion and couture gowns. The final stop in the promotional run was the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles. For the occasion, Zendaya opted for what fans of the spider superhero have speculated to be a Venom-inspired look, which may be hinting at MJ’s fate in the upcoming film.
Venom, if your knowledge of the Spider-verse is limited, is an alien symbiote that has taken on different forms across storylines by bonding with a host, generally a character that, through his influence, exhibits villainous behavior.
How did Z channel Venom energy on the red carpet? Through style, of course.
The actor wore a handcrafted sculptural gown by Ashi Studio that, according to the Lebanese brand, took 200 hours of atelier work. The dramatic black look was first spotted on the brand’s couture runway in June and stood out for its avant-garde silhouette and complex construction. Among other details, the oversized skirt combined ruffles and pleats that extended into an asymmetric train. Meanwhile, the plunging neck corset featured antennae-resembling details and a mini cone-bra.
Evoking the Spider-verse in every element of the look, embroidered heels featuring a spider applique and geometric jewelry by Boucheron accessorized the dress.
The Venom influence, however, was perhaps more evident on the beauty choices: a striking wet hair look with sculpted bangs reminiscent of spider legs—spider bangs if you will. Celebrity hairstylist Ursula Stephen was behind the sleek ponytail and bangs, created in partnership with haircare and tools brand Bur Bur.
“This look was all about the drama,” Stephen shared with press. “I start with clean, wet hair; section it out and add gel throughout.” After applying gel for an ultra-sleek finish, the hairstylist smoothed and slicked the hair using the Bur Bur Essential Boar Bristle Brush ($72). To keep things in place, Stephen used a hair dryer and added extra hold and shine with spray.
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As for the makeup, artist Ernesto Casillas—responsible for Zendaya’s latest beauty slays on the Odyssey and Spider-Man press tours—crafted dark, goth-leaning glam. The smoldering eyes, created with the Prada Beauty Dimensions Eyeshadow in Profusion + Primula, took center stage while a pink pout and sculpted cheeks added harmony. Going with the spidey inspiration, of course, the eye look featured wispy and spikey lashes that evoked the 2023 spider lashes trend. Plus, Casillas accentuated the eye makeup with the Pradalines Durable Gliding Eye Pencil in Nero + Ember and shimmering gold eyeshadow in the lower lash line.
Whether this look was a nod to the Spider-Man: Brand New Day storyline or not remains to be seen once the film hits theaters on July 31. But here’s what’s certain: literally no one does red carpet style like Z.
