Zendaya's New 'Spider-Man' Dress Brings The Comic Books To Life
Our take
Zendaya's continued reign as a style icon reached a new echelon with her recent “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” press tour look, a striking striped dress that’s more than just a red-carpet moment—it's a thoughtful nod to comic book history and a testament to the power of intentional styling. The dress, a direct homage to Willie Smith’s 1987 paper doll illustration of Mary Jane Watson, demonstrates a level of detail and understanding of source material that elevates Zendaya’s presence beyond mere trendsetting. It feels like a deliberate conversation between fashion and fandom, and perfectly aligns with the quiet confidence we champion. This isn’t about fleeting trends; it’s about a considered appreciation for artistry, a sensibility we’ve seen reflected in the enduring appeal of classic denim styles like those highlighted in Not Skinny, Not Bootcut—the 3 Jeans Good Dressers Are Wearing With Ballet Flats Now Until 2027. The ability to reinterpret and reimagine iconic imagery, while maintaining a sense of sophisticated elegance, is precisely what separates Zendaya’s influence from the noise. Even seemingly simpler choices, such as the quiet chic of a designer tote, as showcased in Don’t Let Your Raffia Bags Hear This—This Designer Tote Is All Chic People Are Wearing This Summer, underscore the importance of considered detail.
The power of this look lies not only in the visual impact of the stripes but in the narrative it constructs. It’s a reminder that fashion can be a powerful form of storytelling, a chance to embody characters and celebrate creative legacies. The reference to Willie Smith's paper doll adds a layer of depth, acknowledging the evolution of Mary Jane Watson’s visual representation and celebrating a less-known but significant contribution to the character's identity. It’s a meta-moment, one that acknowledges the history of the character and the visual language surrounding her, while simultaneously solidifying Zendaya’s position as a modern interpreter of that legacy. This approach aligns with the growing desire for authenticity and meaning in fashion, a move away from purely surface-level aesthetics toward a deeper engagement with culture and history. The subtle, almost understated way in which she incorporates this homage—without it feeling performative—is key to its success. It's a quiet declaration of understanding, rather than a shout for attention. We also recently explored how brands can evoke nostalgia without feeling gimmicky, as examined in our review of Gap Beauty's new fragrances We Tried All 5 of the New Gap Beauty Fragrances—Here Are Our Honest Thoughts.
Beyond the specific reference to the comic books, Zendaya's choice exemplifies a broader trend within the fashion landscape: the convergence of pop culture and high fashion. Celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to curate looks that are both stylish and meaningful, blurring the lines between entertainment and fashion. This isn’t simply about wearing designer clothes; it’s about using fashion to communicate a point of view, to engage in a dialogue with their audience, and to elevate the conversation around style. The increasing sophistication of red-carpet styling, driven by creatives like Law Roach, has contributed to this shift. It’s no longer enough to simply look good; the look must tell a story, resonate with a broader cultural context, and reflect a sense of individuality. Zendaya’s approach embodies this elevated sensibility, demonstrating a confidence born not from ostentation but from a deep understanding of style and its power.
Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to observe how this trend continues to evolve. Will we see more celebrities actively referencing specific works of art or cultural moments in their fashion choices? Will the line between celebrity style and curated brand storytelling continue to blur? Perhaps the most significant implication is that consumers are increasingly seeking a deeper level of connection with the brands and individuals they admire – a desire for authenticity, meaning, and a sense of shared cultural understanding. It seems the future of fashion lies not just in what we wear, but in the stories it tells and the conversations it sparks.
At this point, we can all trust that Zendaya never shows up to a premiere with just one outfit. After all, as stylist Law Roach says, “there’s always a second dress.” That held true for Spider-Man: Brand New Day’s London premiere, where the actor’s second look of the night paid tribute to one of American fashion’s greatest Black designers — and had a special reference to Mary Jane “MJ” Watson, too.
As shared on Instagram by Roach, Zendaya wore a striped dress by LaQuan Smith. The custom piece included a halter silhouette with black-and-white stripes, finished by a red ruffled hem. If the outfit looks straight out of a vintage comic book, well, that’s because it is. Roach shared that her look was directly inspired by a Mary Jane Watson paper doll dress from the Spider-Man comics, which was specially made in 1987 by the late fashion designer Willi Smith — who was regarded as the most successful Black fashion designer alive at the time. As with many of Zendaya’s other looks from Spider-Man: Brand New Day outings, Roach finished the actor’s outfit with a pair of white Christian Louboutin pumps. Diamond drop earrings and rings added a sprinkling of movie star-worthy glamour.
Zendaya’s revival of Willi Smith’s paper doll project showed a distinct reverence for Black fashion history. Smith’s designs left a mark on the fashion industry prior to his death, also in 1987. Under his brand WilliWear Limited, he released colorful, modern pieces that were both affordable and flattering. The designer’s reach also extended beyond fashion, as he made costumes for films like Spike Lee’s School Daze and even collaborated on a line of T-shirts with artists including Keith Haring.
The look also continued Roach’s “method dressing” approach to styling. The actress’ first look of the evening, a white Tamara Ralph Couture dress lined in crystals, added another ensemble to her repertoire that merged high fashion with spider-like details. It’s a practice she’s shown around the world with husband Tom Holland while promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day, wearing everything from vintage and fresh-off-the-runway couture to dresses with spiderweb and arachnid embellishments.
Though Zendaya’s latest Spider-Man tour is ending soon, it’s not the only project she’s balanced — and dressed impeccably for — this year. Earlier in the spring, she wore wedding-inspired pieces while promoting A24’s The Drama with Robert Pattinson. This summer has seen her master overlapping press tours for both Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, complete with themed beauty looks to match. Plus, with Dune: Part Three heading to theaters this winter, she’ll certainly end 2026 on an equally fashionable high note.
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