Zendaya Channels Cher in Iconic Fashion Tribute
The star honors Cher’s timeless style with standout looks curated by her stylist.
Zendaya has paid tribute to Cher yet again, who made great fashion choices in the '70s and '80s on the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour. Being a trendsetter is an art in fashion and something everyone aspires to take on and try. Zendaya is at the peak of her fame, and everywhere you look, that’s where she is. She has been making bold fashion choices, with her recent partnership with Law Roach, her longtime friend and stylist.
Valentino Yellow: The 2021 Oscar Tribute
Her first tribute to Cher was in 2021, when she wore a bright yellow number made by Valentino to the Oscars. Paying homage to other celebrities is always important because fashion is a concept that outlives all of us. It can be molded and reshaped, which is evident in this piece. The yellow is the main attraction and has a magnetic pull, like bees to honey and the color of sunflowers. The cut-out detail is also something that catches your eye, as do the jewels that decorate Zendaya’s neck. It makes her dress, making her look like a ray of sunshine, and a reference that Law Roach, who had a hand in the styling, made even more perfect. The original dress worn by Cher was made by Bob Mackie, who created most of Cher’s fashion choices from 1970 to 1976.
Golden Glam: The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Look
Her next tribute to Cher was this year at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony—a piece that even Cher herself congratulated Zendaya for. A shimmering number that Zendaya exudes confidence in. Her hair is slicked in the exact same way Cher had it, and the way the veil/gown sits on her waist and cascades all the way to the floor, with its golden hues and transparency, is striking.
The whole dress dazzles, with the crisscross pattern being the detail that pulls it together, making a statement without being overbearing. Zendaya even completed the look with golden heels, tying everything together with them pointed to the floor, making a clear statement. A piece like this feels regal and exudes elegance. Celebrities and fashion icons always manage to inspire fashion trends in society. Take Burberry, for example. Burberry was first popularized by being seen on prominent icons, and then it became something people strived to attain, going out of their way to search vintage shops and thrift stores.
Tyla’s Tribute to Aaliyah: A Modern Take
Last but certainly not least is Tyla, who hit us like a ton of bricks with her song "Water," making ripples. Tyla wore this dress at the MTV EMAs to honor Aaliyah, who wore the same dress (in yellow) at the 2000 MTV VMAs. This dress is a statement to Aaliyah’s and Tyla’s place in the industry. Tyla is making a name for herself in music, and it’s also noteworthy that it’s a homage. Although the dress is the same, the different color makes the piece more personal, as it feels like something Tyla would wear and make her own instead of just copying someone else’s. This dress was made by Roberto Cavalli, who also had Zendaya wear one of his pieces. The zebra print makes you think about how leopard print is one of the most popular animal prints in fashion. A detail in this piece that often gets overlooked is the transparency, a growing trend in fashion. Transparency in outfits is best paired with layering, which is perfect for the upcoming cold seasons.