On the Challengers global press tour, Zendaya has served enough eye-catching looks to become an honorary tennis star in her own right. Today, she took the on-court fashion references to new heights through a shimmering custom dress—and some surrealist footwear. Specifically, stilettos with tennis balls where the heels should be.
On Monday, April 8, the 27-year-old was photographed at the film's photocall, hosted at the Hotel Hassler in Rome, Italy. While overlooking the quaint city, the actress wore a glitzed-up version of the classic tennis uniform, custom-designed by Loewe. Her sparkling silver-and-black mini dress featured a plunging V-neckline, a subtly drop-waist effect, and a thigh-hitting pleated skirt.
Tapping her trusty stylist, Law Roach, she paired the glittering ensemble with diamond-studded Bulgari accessories. As for the final touch, the actress made a statement to reiterate signature tennis motifs in custom white heels by Loewe. But they weren't just regular stilettos: They were adorned with Loewe-branded tennis balls at the back, as if Zendaya had speared each sharp heel with a ball before walking on to the red carpet.
Zendaya kept her glam to a minimum by rocking a natural dewy beat. She also wore her freshly-dyed honey blonde hair slicked back into a half-up style.
Shortly after the step-and-repeat, Roach posted a behind-the-scenes Instagram Reel of the Challengers star from the hotel, writing in the caption, "Tennis but make it FASHION…."
The magic of Roach and Z's collaborative work is not only her ability to look absolutely stunning on the red carpet. Since her Dune days, the two have constantly put their own unique spin on the concept of "method dressing." While polos and pleated skirts naturally come to mind when thinking of Challengers' Grand Slam storyline, the two are arguably redefining what tennis fashion is.
Ahead of her appearance in Rome, Zendaya showcased her most well-received looks for Challengers in Paris, featuring not just one but three custom Louis Vuitton outfits in a single day.
On April 6, the Euphoria star was seen wearing a custom Louis Vuitton number—a white strapless gown with a crisscross drop waist and a flowy maxi skirt, the long fabric trailing right behind her. The ensemble referenced the all-white outfits tennis players often wear, including for prestigious tournaments like Wimbledon.
Earlier that day, Zendaya wore two more back-to-back Louis Vuitton outfits. She started the day in a mod-inspired checkerboard mini dress from Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton's Spring/Summer 2013 collection.
Later on, the actress changed into a chartreuse co-ord, which consisted of a silky shirt and matching trousers from Jacobs's Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 1999 line.
With only a few days left of the Challengers press tour, it's guaranteed that Roach and Z have more serves waiting for fans. The only question is: How else can they interpret tennis fashion?
