Full Breakdown
Zendaya’s Grecian Press Tour Revives Early-2000s Gladiator Sandals
7/15/2026, 4:15:24 AM
Core Event: Red-Carpet Looks for “The Odyssey” (July 13-14, 2024)
During the New York press tour for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film *The Odyssey*, actress Zendaya presented a series of Greek-themed ensembles. On July 13 she exited her hotel in a white Alberta Ferretti spring-2008 dress paired with knee-high Sophia Webster gladiator sandals. The following day, at the AMC Lincoln Square Theater premiere, she arrived in a floor-length white gown with an asymmetrical strapless neckline, feather-inspired train and large angel wings, sourced from French fashion house Matières Fécales, and completed the look with sculptural-heel white pumps.
Background & Context: Method Dressing Meets Homeric Epic
*The Odyssey*—Nolan’s cinematic adaptation of Homer’s epic (circa 750-850 BC)—opens in U.S. theaters on July 17, 2024. The film follows the goddess Athena, portrayed by Zendaya, and features her husband Tom Holland as Telemachus. For the press run, Zendaya’s longtime stylist Law Roach has employed “method dressing,” matching each appearance to a narrative element of the story, a practice previously seen in her Marvel-era promotions.
Key Figures & Groups
- Zendaya – Emmy-winning actress starring as Athena.
- Law Roach – Stylist and “brand architect” responsible for the coordinated looks; shared a behind-the-scenes clip on Instagram.
- Designers – Alberta Ferretti (archival 2008 dress), Sophia Webster (gladiator sandals), Jacquemus (Spring/Summer 2027 white dress), Matières Fécales (angel-wing gown), Chopard (floral-inspired diamond earrings).
On-the-Ground Reports: Outfit Details
- July 13, 2024: Zendaya wore a plunging gold-embellished Alberta Ferretti white dress with a deep neckline, complemented by Sophia Webster knee-high gladiator sandals featuring a vintage chain-detail. Her hair was styled in wet, bouncy waves reminiscent of a seafaring odyssey.
- July 14, 2024 (Red-Carpet): The actress appeared in a Matières Fécales gown with an asymmetrical strapless cut, a feather-like train and detachable angel wings. She paired the dress with sculptural-heel white pumps and accessorized with Chopard’s floral diamond earrings. Earlier that day she was also photographed in a nude Pamela Rolland Grecian gown described as “an antique gold pleated silk chiffon” from the Fall 2026 runway collection.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the provenance of the heavenly red-carpet gown. People.com identifies the dress as sourced from Matières Fécales, while The Cut and Harper’s Bazaar describe the primary look on July 13 as an archival Alberta Ferretti piece. No source clarifies whether the Matières Fécales gown was a separate outfit or a misattributed description of the same dress.
Why It Matters / Impact
Fashion analysts note a broader revival of early-2000s trends—oversized satchels, preppy fedoras, and notably gladiator sandals. Zendaya’s high-visibility appearances have accelerated this resurgence, positioning the actress as a catalyst for renewed consumer interest in vintage-style footwear and Grecian-inspired couture.
Official Statements & Responses
Law Roach posted an Instagram clip showcasing the July 13 ensemble, emphasizing the “goddess-inspired” aesthetic and confirming the collaborative intent behind the look. No additional formal statements from the designers or the film’s publicity team were released in the covered reports.
What’s Next
Following the New York events, Zendaya will attend the London premiere of *The Odyssey* on July 15, where she is expected to wear a Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown transported from Paris via private jet. The film’s worldwide release is slated for July 17, 2024.
