Blast from the past. Designed by Thierry Mugler for the Mugler Fall/Winter 1995 collection and worn with BVLGARI jewelry, Zendaya goes sensual robotics for the world premiere of Dune: Part Two
She’s her own sci-fi fantasy. Its sand dunes meet sensual robotics as Zendaya attends the Dune: Part Two world premiere in London at a Mugler robotic suit designed by Thierry Mugler for his Fall/Winter 1995 collection. The actress’s press tour for the Denis Villeneuve sequel film explores the collections of a myriad of designers to encapsulate and capture the thematics of the film itself: expansive, futuristic, and innovative.
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From the daring designs of Torishéju Dumi’s ab-baring ensembles to the fresh-off-the-runway creations of Roksanda’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection, Zendaya’s press tour is one for the books—perhaps even on digital tablets, in keeping with its futuristic motif. One can’t help but marvel at the magician behind the scenes, stylist Law Roach, who orchestrates a seamless cascade of fantastical looks. It’s like watching a domino chain defy gravity, each ensemble more mesmerizing than the last, proving that in Zendaya’s world, fashion is futuristic.
At the world premiere, Zendaya donned a vintage Mugler ensemble that could rival even the most futuristic of armor sets. With its metallic sheen, silver panels, and peekaboo plexiglass inserts, the suit was as much a statement as it was a technological marvel. Complete with corset-style accents that accentuated Zendaya’s curves, built-in gloves, and matching silver heels, the ensemble transformed her into a vision of a cyborg navigating the sands of the Dune universe. Obtaining pieces from the Mugler archives is no small feat, but resurrecting a look that hasn’t seen the light of day since the ’90s runway? That’s like unearthing a treasure lost to the sands of time—a true testament to Zendaya’s style prowess and the magic of haute couture.
Dubbed the “Machinenmensch,” or Machine Human, this catsuit is brought to life from six months of collaborative work between Mugler and artist Jean-Jacques Urcun. Inspired by Thea von Harbou’s character Futura from Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi epic Metropolis, it’s a fusion of avant-garde design and futuristic vision. It’s like witnessing a cosmic collision of fashion and fiction, where perimeters dissolve, and imagination tops maximum level, creating a singularly fascinating spectacle that outperforms orthodox notions of art and attire.
While the original runway presentation included a coordinating headpiece, Zendaya chose a more minimalist approach, complementing her ensemble with a chic hairstyle and a flashy blue diamond necklace from BVLGARI. This choice infused a contemporary flair—though in a world where robots are practically relics—which marries vintage futurism and modern elegance.
Zendaya made a savvy sartorial shift, trading in her initial robotic ensemble for something a tad more down-to-earth—well, as down-to-earth as a curve-hugging Mugler gown can be. This sleek and sophisticated choice not only exudes practicality for navigating the bustling premiere scene but also showcases her effortless transition from bejeweled robot to red-carpet royalty. Zendaya completes her ensemble with antique BVLGARI jewels, demonstrating that whether she’s wearing metallic armor or a traditional black gown, she’s always the embodiment of classic glamour with a futuristic twist. It’s as if we’re seeing her transition from science fiction to Hollywood beauty.
Photos and Featured Image: BVLGARI
