Zendaya made a two-look argument for the power of cinematic dressing at the London premiere of Universal Pictures’ ‘The Odyssey,’ held July 6 at the Royal Festival Hall. The actress arrived in a custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture creation that drew on the house’s surrealist vocabulary, then changed into a fluid Valentino fall 2026 ready-to-wear look by Alessandro Michele for the after-party. The double appearance demonstrated a mastery of red-ceremony protocol that has become her signature.
Zendaya’s relationship with Schiaparelli has deepened over the past two seasons, with Roseberry creating custom looks for her most high-profile appearances. The Valentino look, meanwhile, signals a continued connection with Michele, who dressed her previously for the ‘Dune: Part Two’ premiere circuit. The ability to navigate these dual loyalties without conflict requires a diplomatic precision that few celebrities manage, and Zendaya’s team has elevated it to an art form.
The Schiaparelli look — a column gown in black duchesse satin with a gold-toned anatomical bodice — was pure Daniel Roseberry: the metalwork traced a rib cage and clavicle in gilded bronze, as if the garment had been excavated rather than constructed. The skirt fell in a single clean line to the floor, the severity of the cut allowing the sculptural top to command full attention. She carried no bag, wore no significant jewelry — the bodice was ornament enough.
For the after-party, Zendaya shifted registers entirely, emerging in Valentino’s fall 2026 offering: a bias-cut slip dress in dusty rose silk crepe that pooled at her ankles, worn with strappy metallic sandals and a single chain necklace. The contrast between the two looks — architectural armor versus liquid softness — was a deliberate demonstration of range, and a reminder that the actress’s fashion relationships span the industry’s competitive houses.
The premiere drew a crowd of ‘The Odyssey’s’ cast and creative team, with Zendaya’s co-stars also marking the occasion in notable looks. The film, a contemporary retelling directed by Christopher Nolan, has generated early Oscar buzz, and the red-carpet treatment reflected the campaign’s ambitions. Zendaya’s choice of two houses — Schiaparelli for the formal entrance, Valentino for the celebration — strategically avoided aligning with a single brand for the full event.
