Zendaya’s White Floral Dress Has Two ‘Iconic’ Pop Culture Ties

If there’s one thing Zendaya is going to do when she steps foot on a red carpet, it’s turn heads.

The 29-year-old Euphoria actress did just that when she attended the 2026 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles on Thursday, March 12. Not only did Zendaya’s white and gold vintage number stand out for its three-dimensional floral detail, but for its various pop culture references.

Styled by Law Roach for the occasion, the vintage Cachè dress was a replica of a Eugene Alexander garment worn by Whitney Houston on the cover of LIFE magazine in 1987. Plus, Zendaya’s gown was first worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in her reprisal of Carrie Bradshaw in the 2008 Sex and the City film.

“And just like that.... I found it!! @zendaya for @essence wearing [one of] the most iconic dresses in movie history and @cartier jewelry,” the celebrity stylist wrote on Instagram last night, showcasing Zendaya’s ensemble. The star also collaborated with makeup artist Ernesto Casillas and hairstylist Coree Moreno on her look for the evening.

“Love you @luxurylaw👏👏👏,” Parker’s Sex and the City costar Kristin Davis commented.

“insane pull!” one fan noted.

“Law this is so iconic I don’t even know where to begin 😍,” someone else gushed.

“And it fits her perfectly, this dress was definitely made for her,” another follower observed.

“You and Z breathe so much life into already iconic pieces it leaves me in awe,” one person applauded. “This practice is so amazing for so many reasons but also it provides that you don’t need to buy new to look incredible.”

“And just like that, you found the perfect dress,” the official HBO Max account quipped.

Honorees at the 19th annual ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards included Chase Infiniti, Kerry Washington, LaTanya Richardson Jackson and Zinzi Coogler. Women from the cast of 2025’s Sinners were also recognized.

Zendaya is on a fashionable streak, as just days before she was spotted at last night’s event in Los Angeles, she attended the Louis Vuitton womenswear fall-winter 2026-27 runway show during Paris Fashion Week. The Drama actress secured a spot in the front row for the fashionable display on March 10, and stood out in an all-white ensemble by the designer, which she smartly paired with black accessories.

Not only was her outfit for Paris Fashion Week an incredibly chic one, but Zendaya also debuted a brand-new bob, which caught the attention of many. Read more about the look here.

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