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Zendaya’s Best Looks From the ‘Challengers’ Press Tour

Leigh Nordstrom and Alex Badia
3 min read
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Updated 4:52 p.m.

With her two most recent press tours — for “Dune” and “Challengers” — Zendaya is the latest star to show us that dressing to the movie’s theme can be extremely chic — something Margot Robbie also put on display with her “Barbie” fashion playbook, too. From thematic dresses from current seasons to reviving iconic red carpet moments that fit the bill (and awakening sleepy brands along the way), Zendaya’s “Challengers” looks have been worth paying attention to.

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Loewe: A-

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of "Challengers" at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of "Challengers" at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)

At times, thematic dressing can become really contrived. But in this case, the Loewe green plunge dress with tennis imagery not only adheres to the theme but also is a great dress regardless. When talking about beauty, the slightly messy updo and metallic eye shadow bring back old Hollywood glam.

Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton: A-

US actress Zendaya poses during a photo session for the "Challengers" movie ahead of its Premiere, at the Maison de L'Amerique Latine in Paris on April 6, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
US actress Zendaya poses during a photo session for the "Challengers" movie ahead of its Premiere, at the Maison de L'Amerique Latine in Paris on April 6, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)

With the ‘60s being a big undercurrent trend in the fashion ethos, this checkered green and white Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton spring 2013 baby doll coat dress brings back memories of the glamorous history of tennis. And wait, isn’t the blonde hair with white headband a dream come true?

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Loewe: A

ROME, ITALY - APRIL 08: Zendaya attends a photocall for the movie "Challengers" at Hotel Hassler on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage) (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)
ROME, ITALY - APRIL 08: Zendaya attends a photocall for the movie "Challengers" at Hotel Hassler on April 08, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage) (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/WireImage)

This metallic, pleated miniskirt dress is pulling from vintage tennis outfits. It takes the collegiate preppy reference and turns it on its head with the plunging neckline and metallic shine. To heighten the humor angle, Jonathan Anderson’s wit comes through with the white stiletto tennis ball heels. She definitely aced this.

Thom Browne: A

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Zendaya attends the UK premiere of "Challengers" at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on April 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 10: Zendaya attends the UK premiere of "Challengers" at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on April 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Lia Toby/Getty Images)

When looking back at the history of tennis, ivy is part of the heritage, and that’s where Thom Browne resides. The pleated long skirt with mesh paneling turns this halter tennis gown into a red carpet stunner. But the braid is what takes it over the top — it’s genius.

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Vivienne Westwood: B-

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Zendaya attends the "Challengers" Photocall at Claridges Hotel on April 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 11: Zendaya attends the "Challengers" Photocall at Claridges Hotel on April 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

Within the thematic choices of the press tour, this 1994 Vivienne Westwood is the one that deviates a bit from the overall theme. However this short silhouette and feather pom pom in the back keeps things fun and playful. The shoes and bangs keep things fun and cool.

Ralph Lauren: A

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 14: Zendaya attends the photocall for the movie "Challengers" on April 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stefania M. D'Alessandro/Getty Images)
MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 14: Zendaya attends the photocall for the movie "Challengers" on April 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Stefania M. D'Alessandro/Getty Images)

Ralph Lauren is the master of tennis and American fashion — he is a sponsor of the U.S. Open, after all — and his fall 1992 white halter polo dress, originally worn by Cindy Crawford, Zendaya channels the supermodel look to perfection.

Celia Kritharioti: B+

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Zendaya attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios' "Challengers" After Party at Funke on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 16: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Zendaya attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Amazon MGM Studios' "Challengers" After Party at Funke on April 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/Getty Images for Amazon MGM Studios)

Part of this very well-edited assortment of looks also adds a sense of discovery of new designers, which includes this bring yellow tennis ball — inspired Celia Kritharioti gown. This stunner features a plunging neckline and high slit, but the real charm is on the actual tennis ball design element at the naval, making it the ultimate serve.

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Brunello Cucinelli: B+

MONACO, MONACO - APRIL 13: Zendaya is photographed during the 'Challengers' photocall at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on April 13, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco. 'Challengers' will be released in cinemas internationally from 24th April 2024. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Warner Bros Pictures) (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Warner Bros Pictures)
MONACO, MONACO - APRIL 13: Zendaya is photographed during the 'Challengers' photocall at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters on April 13, 2024 in Monaco, Monaco. 'Challengers' will be released in cinemas internationally from 24th April 2024. (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Warner Bros Pictures) (Photo by Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Warner Bros Pictures)

Continuing the collegiate trend, the Brunello Cucinelli white tennis polo sweater paired with the long pantskirt, transforms a traditional men’s tennis-inspired look into a women’s high fashion moment.

All of Zendaya’s ‘Challengers’ Premiere Red Carpet Looks [PHOTOS]

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of "Challengers" at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Zendaya attends the Australian premiere of "Challengers" at the State Theatre on March 26, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by James Gourley/Getty Images)
US actress Zendaya poses during a photo session for the "Challengers" movie ahead of its Premiere, at the Maison de L'Amerique Latine in Paris on April 6, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
US actress Zendaya poses during a photo session for the "Challengers" movie ahead of its Premiere, at the Maison de L'Amerique Latine in Paris on April 6, 2024. (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP) (Photo by EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 06: Zendaya attends the "Challengers" Paris Photocall at Hotel Crillon on April 06, 2024 in Paris, France.  (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - APRIL 06: Zendaya attends the "Challengers" Paris Photocall at Hotel Crillon on April 06, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)

View Gallery

Launch Gallery: All of Zendaya's 'Challengers' Premiere Red Carpet Looks [PHOTOS]

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