Zendaya [1]'s Spider-Man: No Way Home press tour [2] outfits confirm she not only understood the assignment, but also submitted it early with ample extra credit to boot. While promoting the superhero film [3] at various red carpet events and sit-down interviews [4] this past month, the actor has been consistently paying fashionable tribute to characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both good and evil. With styling help from renowned image architect Law Roach [5], Zendaya [6] has stylishly referenced villains like Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin, as well as Spider-Man himself, played by her on- and off-screen beau, Tom Holland [7].
Zendaya and Law are certainly no strangers to a well-researched red carpet homage [8] — through the years, they've pieced together looks inspired by pop culture icons ranging from Aaliyah [9] and Beyoncé to David Bowie and Cher. Seeing the work they put in ahead of the latest Spider-Man movie release [10] has taken our appreciation for their craft to a whole new level. Join us in reliving and admiring Zendaya's referential fashion moments from the Spider-Man: No Way Home press tour ahead.
Zendaya's Roberto Cavalli Metal Spine Dress
Weeks later, we're still reveling at the Roberto Cavalli stunner Zendaya wore at the 2021 Ballon d'Or football awards [12] in Paris on 29 Nov. Though it wasn't technically a promotional Spider-Man event, she chose the dress to reference Dr. Octopus from the movie franchise.
The intricate golden spine and reptile heads clearly mimic Doc Ock's many mechanical limbs.
Zendaya's Green Valentino Suit
The green and purple colour combination in Zendaya [13]'s Valentino suit for her Graham Norton Show appearance [14] is a clear nod to the evil Green Goblin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe.
Zendaya's Valentino Spiderweb Dress
While attending the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in Los Angeles, Zendaya [16] paid not-so-subtle tribute to Spider-Man's life-saving webs in a plunging embroidered gown custom-designed by Valentino [17].
She also upped the high-fashion factor by slipping on a black lace masquerade mask for a handful of photo ops.
Zendaya's Alexander McQueen Blazer Dress and Spiderweb Earrings
Zendaya [18] was positively dripping in jewels when she attended a London photo call in an oversize blazer dress and stocking boots from Alexander McQueen's spring/summer 2022 collection [19]. The pièce de résistance of her look, however, was the spiderweb-shaped earrings by Jacob & Co.
Here's a close-up of those glamorous web earrings, for your viewing pleasure.
Zendaya's Kitx Crochet Top
While sitting down with costars Tom Holland [20] and Jacob Batalon for some interviews with the press, Zendaya [21] wore a webbed crochet top and silk wrap skirt by Australian fashion brand Kitx [22].
Zendaya's Gold Valentino Sweater
Many fans think this gold wool sweater by Valentino — which Zendaya [23] styled with a collared shirt, jeans, and loafers — is a reference to Electro's villainous lightning bolt powers.