Actress Zendaya wore a dramatic angel-inspired gown and wings to the New York City premiere of "The Odyssey" this week [1].
The ensemble serves as a visual extension of the film's narrative, specifically reflecting Zendaya's role as the goddess Athena in the Christopher Nolan production [4, 5].
Stylist Law Roach worked with designer Matières Fécales to create the ethereal appearance [1]. The look was a long-term project, described as being three years in the making [3]. Other reports indicate the specific design had been put on hold for more than two years before the premiere [2].
Beyond the sculptural wings and gown, the actress wore jewelry from Chopard. The pieces totaled more than 30 carats [2].
The red-carpet appearance preceded the film's official premiere date of July 17 [1]. The event drew significant attention for its blend of high fashion and mythological storytelling, utilizing the wings to create a goddess-like silhouette on the New York City streets [5].
Roach said the process required extensive planning to ensure the wings and gown functioned as a cohesive unit for the red carpet. The collaboration between the stylist, designer, and actress aimed to bridge the gap between the character of Athena and the public appearance of the star [1, 5].
“The look was three years in the making.”
This strategic styling choice demonstrates the increasing trend of 'method dressing,' where actors use red-carpet fashion to mirror their characters' themes. By coordinating with Law Roach and Matières Fécales over several years, Zendaya transitioned the premiere from a standard promotional event into a piece of performance art that reinforces the film's mythological branding.
