Zendaya has solidified her reputation as a master of method dressing during the press tour for her latest film, "The Odyssey." Throughout the promotional events, the 29-year-old actress channeled her character, Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, through a curated selection of designer gowns with Grecian influences. Her stylist, Law Roach, orchestrated a series of striking looks, drawing from designers such as Schiaparelli, Matières Fécales, Givenchy, Louis Vuitton, and Alberta Ferretti.
The tour kicked off in London, where Zendaya debuted a Jacquemus dress with an attached headscarf, a subtle nod to the theme that hinted at the elaborate ensembles to come. This was followed by a bespoke Schiaparelli gown for the London premiere, featuring a notable breastplate bodice and a matching choker. The couture piece, from Daniel Roseberry's fall/winter 2026 collection, was reportedly collected by Roach directly from Paris Couture Week hours before the premiere.
In Paris, Zendaya opted for an archival Givenchy dress designed by Alexander McQueen from 1997 for a photocall, accessorized with a striking mask from the same designer. The subsequent premiere saw her in a custom Louis Vuitton cut-out gown with a ruffled cape.
New York marked the final stop of the press tour, where Zendaya showcased several looks. While out and about, she wore an archival Alberta Ferretti minidress paired with Sophia Webster heeled gladiators, and later a white T-shirt midi dress with a daring cut-out. The New York premiere featured her most dramatic ensemble to date: a strapless white gown by Matières Fécales, complete with large feather wings, an apparent reference to the Greek myth of Icarus.
For subsequent interviews and the after-party, Zendaya continued the theme with a gold Jitrois dress and a plunging gold patterned blazer with a matching miniskirt. The after-party look was a silk chiffon gown by Pamella Roland.
"The Odyssey" is an adaptation of Homer's ancient Greek epic, focusing on Odysseus's arduous journey home after the Trojan War. Zendaya portrays Athena, who guides Odysseus, played by Matt Damon. The film boasts a star-studded cast including Anne Hathaway, Tom Holland, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Robert Pattinson, and Travis Scott. Zendaya and Holland, who confirmed their marriage recently, have made several public appearances together during the tour. Holland commented that Zendaya's confidence and bold character choices while acting have boosted his own confidence, while Zendaya expressed her delight at sharing the experience with her husband, calling it "the dream."