Oh, you thought Zendaya’s tennis-inspired wardrobe for the Challengers press tour was finished? Think again.
On Thursday afternoon, stylist Law Roach unveiled yet another show-stopping look for Zendaya, this time in a breathtaking black and white ball gown that paid homage to a 1998 photo shoot featuring tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, shot by Annie Leibovitz.
“An ode to the GREATS @venuswilliams @serenawilliams,” wrote Roach, the mastermind behind Zendaya’s stunning press tour ensembles. “We thank you for all you have done!”
Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon was responsible for recreating the champion-worthy ball gown—an impressive challenge indeed. The dress boasted bold vertical stripes in black and white, creating a striking contrast that beautifully accentuated the piece’s cinched waist and voluminous skirt.
Zendaya styled her hair similarly to the Williams sisters in the original photo shoot, with shoulder-length white beads—a hairstyle that became the siblings’ signature look on the court during the ’90s and early ’00s. (The Euphoria star’s wig was expertly crafted by hairstylists Kim Kimble and Ursula Stephen.)
Throughout the promotional tour for Challengers, where she portrays fictional tennis superstar Tashi Duncan, Zendaya has consistently aced her tennis-inspired looks. In fact, Venus Williams herself attended the film’s Los Angeles premiere on Tuesday, showcasing her support in a stylish textured gray corseted minidress by Vivienne Westwood Couture.
During a red-carpet interview with Entertainment Tonight, Zendaya expressed excitement about Venus Williams’ presence. “I heard that she came and I was like, ‘No way! This is the coolest thing,’” she exclaimed. “I know Serena’s seen the movie, but I’m very nervous about [Venus] seeing my tennis. Like, ooh, girl… I apologize in advance.”