Zendaya Wore an Iconic Carrie Bradshaw and Whitney Houston’s Dress

At the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards, Zendaya wore a vintage white mini dress with a notable legacy.

Originally worn by Whitney Houston in the 1980s and later reinterpreted for Sarah Jessica Parker as Carrie Bradshaw in the 2008 film Sex and the City: The Movie, the dress now finds new relevance with Zendaya.

Her appearance not only showcased the dress’s enduring appeal but also honored two influential women in fashion history.

The event, held on March 12, 2026, at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, recognized Black excellence in entertainment. Zendaya, recently returned from Paris Fashion Week and promoting her upcoming film The Drama, wore a strapless Cachè dress with sculptural elements.

The dress features an asymmetrical neckline, ruched side detailing, and a thigh-high slit. Its standout feature is an oversized white hibiscus appliqué with gold-leaf accents cascading down the bodice and hip, adding both opulence and a timeless, bridal quality.

The dress was originally designed in the 1980s by Eugene Alexander (Eugene Stutzman), an Ohio native, and featured two large blossoms. Whitney Houston wore the longer version in a 1986 promotional photoshoot, an image that became iconic and appeared on magazine covers such as Time.

In 2008, costume designer Patricia Field adapted the gown for Sex and the City: The Movie, shortening it to a mini and reducing the florals to a single oversized bloom. Featured in the film’s opening scene and paired with Manolo Blahnik heels, it became one of the most memorable outfits in romantic comedy history.

Zendaya’s look, styled by her longtime collaborator Law Roach, pays tribute to both previous wearers. She retained the single-flower design from the Carrie Bradshaw era and incorporated gold accents reminiscent of Whitney Houston’s original. Her minimal accessories included white pointed-toe pumps and a single gold Cartier Love Bracelet, referencing Carrie’s vintage cuff. The result is a cohesive look that reflects Zendaya’s confident and reference-rich style.

Law Roach expressed his excitement on Instagram: “And just like that… I found it!” He called the dress “one of the most iconic dresses in movie history,” emphasizing the significance of sourcing it.

This choice aligns with Zendaya’s recent preference for white, bridal-inspired looks, which has fueled speculation about her personal life. Regardless of intent, the white theme adds a poetic element to her appearance at an event celebrating Black women in Hollywood.

Zendaya’s ability to combine pop culture, Black history, and high fashion in a single look reinforces her influence on the red carpet. The dress honors female icons across generations: Whitney Houston’s pioneering style, Carrie Bradshaw’s influential fashion persona, and Zendaya’s own achievements in acting and style.

As fans and fashion enthusiasts analyze the look, it is clear this is more than just a dress. It serves as a conversation piece, a tribute, and evidence that great style endures. Zendaya not only wore a piece of history but also contributed to its legacy, demonstrating that the most memorable fashion moments are those with meaning.

From the ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood red carpet to the broader history of celebrity style, this white floral dress remains significant. Zendaya’s homage to Carrie Bradshaw and Whitney Houston is not just nostalgic; it is a statement on legacy, creativity, and the enduring appeal of thoughtful fashion choices.

Photo: Getty Images