Zendaya’s Dramatic Met Gala Gown Is a Reference to an Unforgettable 1999 Vintage Look

Annnnd there she is: Zendaya has arrived at the 2024 Met Gala.

For tonight's event—which honors the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s new spring exhibition, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion"—Z wore a dramatic striped mermaid gown by Maison Margiela Artisanal by John Galliano. Styled by Law Roach, Zendaya's long-time stylist (or as he credits himself, "image architect"), her gown consisted of royal blue sheer paneling, an emerald green bodice, and a fit-and-flare trumpet hem.

The dark and daring dress also featured a one-shoulder silhouette, voluminous bunches of diaphanous blue fabric, and, perhaps most interesting of all, 3D fruitlike and bird motifs.

Roach confirmed via his Instagram story that Zendaya's Met Gala gown was inspired by a surrealist Dior Spring 1999 dress designed by John Galliano that featured similar 3D grape embellishments and alternating striped panels.

As a co-chair for this year's event, the actress was always destined to steal the show. Now that Zendaya's hit the Met Gala red carpet, draped in jewel-toned frothy fabrics, adorned with feathers and fruit, and referencing fashion history, consider the show undeniably stolen.

To accessorize her moody gown, Roach and Zendaya decided on a veiled fascinator with one sweeping feather that hit high in the air. The actress wore green stud earrings, one of which featured a small bird attached by a wire that sat just below Z's chin.

Her glam was equally show-stopping, consisting of hair-thin brows, bubblegum pink eye makeup, and a dark cherry red lip. As for her honey-blonde hair, Z wore it in a low bun and tucked it into her statement headwear.

Zendaya's Maison Margiela Couture look came together in record time. In a New York Times interview last week, Roach said that the complete ensemble wouldn't be created and fitted until Saturday, May 4—just two days before the Gala.

Tonight marks the Challengers lead's first Met Gala in five years. For the 2019 Met Gala, Z wore a fantastical, light-up Cinderella ball gown. By her side, Roach waved a magic wand and acted as her fashion fairy godmother. Tommy Hilfiger created Zendaya's memorable fairytale look, which is regarded as one of the best Met Gala gowns in the event's history.

Zendaya's first-ever Met Gala experience was in 2015, when she was only 18 years old. For that evening's dress code of "China: Through the Looking Glass," the actress wore a red and black Fausto Puglisi mini dress. Her look featured a sweeping train adorned with graphic sun motifs.

Zendaya recently reflected on her first Met Gala while appearing on Live with Kelly and Mark this spring. “It was such an exciting and new experience but still terrifying, you know? Going up the steps, it’s very daunting," she said.

Fast-forward to the present: Zendaya confidently walked tonight's Met steps at the age of 27 in yet another stunning look. Baby Z would undoubtedly be proud.