In today’s world, stars choreograph their appearance on the red carpet with the precision of an actor taking on a role for a movie. However, instead of embodying a character through dialogue or action, fashion plays the lead. This technique, known as “method dressing”, allows each item to narrate a story not just on fashion but on the wearer itself. From the choice of fabric to the silhouette, every detail is carefully designed to evoke a specific emotion.
Although it is tough to pinpoint the exact moment when method dressing took off in our generation, it can be approximated to Blake Lively’s 2018 press tour for her then-latest film: “A Simple Favour”. Playing a chic character known for her love of suits, Lively promoted the movie by wearing a series of stylish suits around New York City. This captured the attention of many, marking a significant moment in the rise of method dressing in celebrity culture.
Today, however, we witness another approach to this technique. Enter Zendaya:
With help from her stylish Law Roach, Zendaya is quickly becoming a fashion icon. She doesn’t just wear clothes; she becomes the character she portrays.
As she embarks on the press tour for her latest film “Challengers”, Zendaya’s adoption of method dressing adds another dimension to her promotional strategy. Drawing inspiration from her role as the tennis champion Tashi Duncan, Zendaya incorporates elements of Tashi’s wardrobe into her own, bringing the character’s vibrant persona to life. From serving looks with tennis whites to incorporating pops of green, such as her custom Loewe gown, every outfit she wears is a tribute to Tashi’s journey. However, it was her distinctive shoes in Rome that were the true eye-catcher. Custom designed by Loewe, the white stilettos – each punctured by a tennis ball – were a standout feature showcasing her skill in transforming simple outfits into statements.
It is, therefore, reasonable to assume that method dressing is here to stay. After all, its significance extends beyond the aesthetics of it all, serving as a wider promotional strategy. Maybe blurring the lines between fiction and reality on the red carpet should be the way to go, it seems to be working for Zendaya.
