Zendaya’s ‘Dune’-Inspired Red Carpet Ensembles Lead the Way in Method Dressing Trend

In Mexico City for the “Dune: Part Two” red carpet, Zendaya emerged in an ensemble evoking the desert landscapes of Arrakis, akin to something her character Chani might wear amidst a sandstorm. The customized Bottega Veneta Fall-Winter 2023 runway look featured an exposed midriff and an extended hemline, continuing Zendaya’s trend of ab-framing outfits.

This marked the latest in a series of sci-fi-themed press tour ensembles curated by Zendaya and her longtime stylist Law Roach. At the Fendi show during Haute Couture Week in Paris, she sported fringe reminiscent of 20th-century retro-futurism, paired with muted brows and a bold lip, channeling the essence of Star Trek’s Mr. Spock. Earlier, attending the Schiaparelli couture show, Zendaya stunned in a custom gown from the label’s new season, featuring an arched satin train resembling a horse’s tail and black horse-braid knots reminiscent of a cephalopod’s suckers or armor spikes.

Red carpet fashion has evolved from casual attire to meticulously curated ensembles, with celebrities like Margot Robbie and Zoë Kravitz incorporating historical accuracy or subtle thematic nods into their outfits. Zendaya’s commitment to the “Dune” aesthetic extends beyond fashion; her red carpet choices align with the film’s themes, with Roach noting that all her press tour outfits were inspired by the movie.

Zendaya’s embrace of method dressing reflects a new era of red carpet expression, where stars embody characters rather than conform to trends. While this approach offers creative freedom, a misaligned costume can feel stifling. Zendaya, however, effortlessly embodies the essence of a high-fashion, desert-dwelling alien-hybrid, showcasing the power of fashion as a form of storytelling.