Zendaya's ensemble for the world premiere of "The Odyssey" in London on Monday night included a Schiaparelli gown that completed an extraordinary journey from the Paris runway to the red carpet in a matter of hours. The actress, who plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, in Christopher Nolan's latest film, wore a couture piece from Daniel Roseberry's fall/winter 2026 collection.
Zendaya's longtime stylist, Law Roach, revealed the meticulous planning behind the look. He traveled to Paris to collect the gown directly from the Schiaparelli show, utilizing a private jet to transport it to London for the premiere. "And for her, to get that dress off of her, to get it to London to put it on a very special girl," Roach explained in a clip shared by French creator Elias Medini, known as Lyas.
The Schiaparelli dress featured a distinctive breastplate bodice and was complemented by a matching choker. Zendaya's styling also paid homage to her character, Athena, the divine protector and guide for Odysseus, portrayed by Matt Damon. The film is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic.
Later in the evening, Zendaya changed into a second ensemble for further photo opportunities with her co-stars. This outfit was a Valentino creation, an olive draped gown with a bust made of green vines. Her hair was styled in a Grecian rope braid, and she wore Christian Louboutin shoes and Chopard jewelry.
The star-studded premiere in London's Leicester Square was attended by the film's entire cast, including Zendaya's husband Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Benny Safdie, John Leguizamo, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana Barroso, Robert Pattinson, Himesh Patel, director Christopher Nolan, and producer Emma Thomas.
"The Odyssey" is Nolan's most ambitious film to date, with a budget of $250 million and the distinction of being his first to be shot entirely on IMAX 70mm cameras. The film follows Odysseus's perilous journey home after the Trojan War. Anne Hathaway is set to play Odysseus's devoted queen.
Director Christopher Nolan, who grew up attending movies in Leicester Square, described the global premiere in London as a "full circle moment." He lightheartedly urged the assembled critics to "be kind" as they were the first to see the film. Initial social media reactions from invited members of the press were overwhelmingly positive, with Collider's Steven Weintraub calling the movie "INCREDIBLE" and stating he was "really blown away."