Zendaya’s BET Awards Look Was a Pitch-Perfect Tribute to Beyoncé
From Lil Nas X’s pharaoh couture to Cardi B’s epic pregnancy announcement, last night’s BET Awards in Los Angeles was packed with showstopping style moments. Leave it to Zendaya, however, to take the night’s fashion to the next level—with a little help from an archive Versace dress.
A look from the Italian house’s spring 2003 collection, Zendaya’s ethereal purple gown caught attention for more reasons than one. Seem familiar at all? That would be down to the fact the same dress—albeit with a shorter skirt—was also worn by Beyoncé for the 3rd Annual BET Awards all the way back in 2003, when the burgeoning solo star made one of her first post-Destiny’s Child appearances to perform her breakout hit, “Crazy in Love.”
The look came courtesy of Zendaya’s stylist and Hollywood’s favorite fashion guru, Law Roach, and was captured in motion through a series of stunning backstage images and clips shot by AB+DM. (The photographer duo, also known as Ahmad Barber and Donté Maurice, certainly had quite the night: They were also behind yesterday’s stunning portrait of a pregnant Cardi B.)
It also isn’t the first time in recent memory that Zendaya has used the red carpet as an opportunity to pay tribute to a personal style icon from decades past. Attending this year’s Oscars back in April, the actor and musician wore a bold yellow Valentino gown with a cut-out detail that harked back to a classic look worn by Cher all the way back in the early-’70s. The magic of Zendaya’s eye for fashion, though, is her ability to take a vintage-inspired look and make it feel more current than ever.
The final seal of approval came from Donatella Versace herself, who took to Instagram to share the image. “Zendaya! You looked just sensational last night,” the designer wrote in her caption. “I’ll never forget Beyoncé wearing this in 2003. A tough act to follow but you aced it effortlessly! You got me looking!” Whether worn by Queen B or Queen Z, it serves as the ultimate proof that a perfect Versace dress never goes out of style.
