Zendaya Channels 90’s Glam in Vintage Shimmering Versace Dress

Zendaya revisits her birth year, 1996, in a stunning vintage Versace dress from the fall 1996 collection designed by Gianni Versace, himself.

Zendaya wowed everyone in the brown slinky, shimmery Versace dress at the virtual 2020 Green Carpet Fashion Award (GCFA) in Milan on October 12, where she accepted the Visionary Award virtually.

“The whole look is inspired by ’90s supermodels,” stylist Law Roach told British Vogue. “She was actually born in 1996, so I thought that it’d be fun [for her] to wear something from that year. It’s taking her back—if Zendaya had been of age then, maybe she would have been a Versace model.”

To achieve classic 90’s glam, stylist Law Roach paired the silk dress with Zendaya in gold dangling earrings and her hair in loose waves down her back, finishing the look with a dark headband. Her outfit was completed with brown Louboutin pumps that featured a pointed toe.

The 1996 vintage Versace dress has a long history of being worn by beauty queens. The glimmering gown was first worn by Anna Klevhag (Anna K) on the autumn/winter 1996 runway. Carla Bruni modeled in a purple version of that design and Kate Moss was in an ad campaign with also the purple version of the beautiful beaded bodice. Naomi Campbell wore a yellow version in the same show in which Anna K walked.

Telling the story behind the dress, including its eco-credentials, is important for Zendaya and her team.

“People forget that vintage is sustainable; it’s a way to reduce waste,” explains Roach to British Vogue.“And there’s always a story: who’s worn it before, who made it, what did it mean to them, where did you find it? That part of fashion has always intrigued me, and brings more life to whatever you’re wearing.”

Glitter Staff