Zendaya captivated audiences in Paris on Tuesday with a dramatic ensemble for the photocall of her upcoming film, “The Odyssey.” The actress sported a striking white Givenchy by Alexander McQueen archival gown from the Spring/Summer 1997 Haute Couture collection, a significant collection as it marked the late designer’s debut for Givenchy.
The avant-garde look was further elevated by a towering, pointy gold headpiece designed by Philip Treacy. The headpiece, which covered most of Zendaya's face, left only her eyes and lips visible, a dramatic effect amplified by dark burgundy lipstick. The knee-length dress itself featured heavy, exaggerated sleeves and padded shoulders, reflecting McQueen's distinctive design aesthetic.
This particular Alexander McQueen couture piece is thematically aligned with "The Odyssey," as the 1997 collection was inspired by Greek mythology. The collection, characterized by its white and gold palette, was met with divided critical reception at the time of its release but has since achieved iconic status. Kendall Jenner previously wore a winged look from the same collection at a 2024 Met Gala after-party.
In Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," Zendaya portrays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare. Her press tour wardrobe, curated by longtime stylist Law Roach, has consistently featured high-fashion choices. Earlier in the week, at the London premiere, she wore a Schiaparelli gown, and at a London photocall, she appeared in a custom Jacquemes gown.
Zendaya recently spoke about her experience filming "The Odyssey" alongside a star-studded cast, including Anne Hathaway, Matt Damon, and Charlize Theron, in an interview for the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. She described the opportunity to share scenes with admired actors as a "pleasure and a gift," emphasizing the need to "compartmentalize" and "lock in" to deliver her best work. Director Christopher Nolan lauded Zendaya's performance, telling Elle that she "literally playing a goddess" was a "tall order" that she fulfilled as a "true movie star" and "incredible actor."