She first emerged on Disney Channel dressed in a layered mini skirt and three-quarter length leggings. Now, she is towering over us all in custom Rick Owens gown for the premiere of Dune. From bespoke Valentino, Alaïa, and Balmain creations on the red carpet to off-duty style on the streets, Zendaya's image overhaul has been one to behold as she moves from strength to strength. We're not the only ones who have noticed either, with the recent announcement that the 25 year old actor will be awarded CFDA’s Icon award in November.
Already an ambassador for Bulgari, Lancôme, and Valentino, the fashion council noted the actor’s contributions to the industry, which span all the way back to 2013, when she launched her gender fluid, size inclusive range of clothing called Daya.
Since then, with the help of stylist Law Roach, the pair have honed her eye for architectural silhouettes and support for emerging designers like our own Christopher Esber and more recently, CSM graduate Nensi Dojaka. For the award this year, she will join Naomi Campbell, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Jennifer Lopez, who have all received the Fashion Icon award in the past.
The CFDA has also confirmed that Anya Taylor-Joy will be the first ever person to receive the ceremony’s Face of the Year prize, which is rather self-explanatory especially when you look like Taylor-Joy does, while the Model Alliance will take home the Positive Influence award (about time).
The CFDA Fashion Awards take place in New York on November 10. For a recap on the actors relaxed take on street style, we deep dive here.
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Image: @zendaya
