Zendaya’s appearance at the July 6, 2026, London premiere of The Odyssey sparked a viral fashion moment involving guest Zainab Jiwa. While Zendaya wore a custom Schiaparelli gown reflecting her role as Athena, Jiwa’s gold hooded gown caught the actress’s attention, resulting in an interaction that garnered 19m views on TikTok.
The red carpet for the world premiere of The Odyssey at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square became a study in method dressing
, a trend where stars align their wardrobe with a film’s themes. For Zendaya, who portrays the goddess Athena, the objective was a fusion of mythic grandeur and modern edge. For Zainab Jiwa, a 29-year-old guest and independent creator, the evening resulted in a viral encounter that bridged the gap between Hollywood stardom and social media influence.
Zainab Jiwa’s Viral Encounter with Zendaya
Before arriving at the premiere, Jiwa documented her preparation in a get-ready-with-me
TikTok video, which included the relatable struggle of needing help to zip a corset. She attended the event in a custom gold gown featuring a hood, a look that allowed her to incorporate modest wear and a hijab into the film’s theme. Jiwa was often one of the few people covering her hair at the premiere.
“She just walked past, and she saw me there. Her jaw just dropped, so did mine. It was just a stare-off for a minute, and she was like, ‘Oh my god, amazing, amazing,’ and then she just walked off.”
Zainab Jiwa
The interaction sparked an immediate digital frenzy, with the video reaching 19m views. Jiwa said she remained in shock
that the actress noticed her outfit.
The Schiaparelli Logistics and Design
Zendaya’s own look was a high-stakes logistical operation managed by stylist Law Roach. The custom Schiaparelli creation featured a white porcelain-effect silicone bustier with anatomical details inspired by Greek statuary and a shimmering ombré beaded fringe skirt that transitioned from pearl white to silver. To complete the Athena-inspired aesthetic, she wore a braided updo and a Chopard diamond necklace totaling over 88 carats.
The garment’s arrival in London was a race against time. The gown had closed the Schiaparelli haute couture show in Paris just hours before the premiere. Roach watched the closing walk in Paris and then flew the dress to London via private jet to ensure it was ready for the red carpet that evening.
Athena Incarnate: Makeup and Beauty Details
While the fashion was theatrical, the beauty looks across the press tour varied by city. For the London premiere, makeup artist Ernesto Casillas focused on a lit-from-within glow
to evoke a goddess-like appearance. The central product for this effect was Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Highlighter in the shade Glazed Goddess.
This contrasted with the New York premiere, where Casillas employed a more minimal approach. The New York look featured ghost lashes
and no mascara or visible shadow. The skin was prepped using Prada Beauty products, including Augmented Skin Cream and Essence, and the foundation was mixed with Reveal Skin Optimizing Foundation for a lightweight finish. For the lips, Casillas used a Prada Balm in Astral Pink.
The Press Tour Visual Narrative
The overall strategy for The Odyssey press tour has been one of cohesive storytelling. Law Roach, who refers to himself as an image architect
, has utilized a variety of custom pieces to reinforce themes of wisdom and transformation. This included an ivory Matières Fécales gown for the New York premiere, which featured a sculpted asymmetrical bodice and floor-length wings. Roach had asked the label to reserve that specific runway look for Zendaya more than two years in advance.
| Location | Key Fashion Piece | Beauty Focus |
|---|---|---|
| London | Schiaparelli porcelain-effect bustier & fringe skirt | Luminous glow via Charlotte Tilbury highlighter |
| New York | Matières Fécales winged gown | Minimalist “ghost lashes” and Prada Beauty skin prep |
| Paris | Custom couture (photocall) | Consistent “on brand” mythological themes |
This strategic approach to dressing mirrors the character of Athena, using clothing as a storytelling device to build anticipation for the film’s release.
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