Whitney Houston was a true icon of the 80s and 90s, known for her unique blend of high fashion and effortless style. From her figure-hugging sequin outfits at the 1986 Grammys to her bold power shoulders on red carpets, she set a standard that many artists still follow today. Her wedding style, eye-catching accessories, and radiant confidence made every appearance a cultural milestone, inspiring generations of performers. Now, one of Hollywood’s most prominent stars, Zendaya, has paid tribute to Houston with an ethereal fashion homage.
On The Jennifer Hudson Show, Zendaya discussed her striking gown at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards. She mentioned, “Law had his eyes on the dress, and I think he originally saw it because of Sarah Jessica Parker.” She continued, “He looked a little deeper and saw this beautiful image of the one and only Whitney Houston, and it just felt like a perfect time to pay homage at that particular event.”
The white one-shoulder vintage Caché dress, featuring a form-fitting cut and a gold orchid shoulder appliqué, first appeared in Whitney Houston’s 1987 promotional shoot. It later became iconic on a Life magazine cover. Sarah Jessica Parker then reimagined it as Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City’s 2008 opening, walking the streets of Manhattan.
Stylist Law Roach brought the archival piece back to life for Zendaya at the LA Fairmont Century Plaza gala. He paired it with Christian Louboutin pumps, Cartier Trinity rings, Love bracelets, a curly pixie haircut, smoky eyes, and glossy lips.
While Zendaya honors legends through fashion, she is also sharing heartfelt personal insights about her own love story.
Zendaya shares when she knew Tom Holland was the one
Zendaya opened up about recognizing Tom Holland as her lifelong partner during a chat on The New York Times’ Modern Love podcast, which was tied to her new film, The Drama, starring Robert Pattinson. She described a rare sense of ease as the key indicator, a profound peace that replaced anxiety.
“There is a certain feeling that I was able to experience when I knew that this is my person because I never feel nervous around them,” she shared with The New York Times.
“I feel really peaceful, and I feel really calm, and I feel like oh, I actually feel more nervous when I am away from you than when I am with you. And that was when I was like oh, that is a good sign.”
Their romance developed privately while Zendaya was rising to fame with Euphoria and Dune, only becoming public with a 2021 paparazzi shot of them holding hands. This intimate calm mirrors Zendaya’s poised archival nods, such as honoring Whitney Houston via her vintage Essence Awards dress. Both reflect a star curating authenticity, whether in love or style.
