Zendaya’s Dress at the 2024 Gotham Awards Was Inspired By Her “Challengers” Character

The 2024 Gotham Awards illuminated the contributions of some of the most talked-about films and television shows of the year last night, and at the forefront of this glamorous event was none other than Zendaya.

Recognized for her stunning performance in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming tennis-themed drama, “Challengers,” the star was honored with a special Spotlight Tribute award. With such a momentous occasion at hand, Zendaya had to showcase an equally stellar look to celebrate her achievement.

Zendaya, a style icon known for her risk-taking fashion choices, collaborated with her longtime stylist, Law Roach, to craft a look that was sleek and modern. The duo settled on a custom Louis Vuitton double satin off-white dress that featured an alluring open back—an exquisite creation from renowned designer Nicolas Ghesquière.

Roach expressed his admiration for Ghesquière’s work, sharing with Vogue, “We love collaborating with Nicolas. He approaches design with a certain intelligence that we really love.” The ensemble, characterized as “simple, sexy, and very modern,” was an homage to both Zendaya’s elegance and the film’s thematic depth, all while steering clear of overtly thematic choices.

While there was a temptation to lean into the costume-heavy aesthetic that was part of the promotional tour for “Challengers,” Roach emphasized a more nuanced approach for the awards night. The goal was to reflect Zendaya’s connection to her character in “Challengers” without resorting to thematic costume dressing. “It was really about a beautiful girl and a beautiful dress,” he noted—focusing on the exquisite simplicity of the look rather than an overt display of the film’s motifs.

To complement the striking gown, Zendaya chose to accessorize with tasteful Bvlgari jewels, opting for understated elegance with sleek heels. By keeping the accessories minimal, the focus remained firmly on the dress and her radiant presence—truly capturing the essence of a Hollywood star at one of the industry’s most glamorous nights.

As she walked the red carpet, Zendaya not only celebrated her achievements but also showcased a masterclass in modern fashion—proving once again that her style evolution continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The custom Louis Vuitton dress will surely be remembered as one of the standout looks from the 2024 Gotham Awards, reflecting both her artistry as an actress and her status as a fashion icon.