2026 is shaping up to be a huge year for Zendaya. Following her longtime stylist Law Roach hinting last month at the SAG Awards that she secretly married Tom Holland (“The wedding’s already happened! You missed it!”), and after a trip to Las Vegas, the actress has been embracing a bridal-inspired style. Last night, while presenting the Best Director award at the 2026 Oscars with co-star Robert Pattinson, her glamour perfectly matched this new chapter.

Zendaya’s trusted glam team—makeup artist Ernesto Casillas and hairstylist Ursula Stephen—spoke exclusively to Vogue about the moment and her look, which complemented her custom chocolate brown Louis Vuitton dress styled by Roach.

Casillas had just sent Zendaya to the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards, where she wore a dress nodding to both an iconic Whitney Houston cover and Sex and the City. “That was such a fun look,” he said. “We played with some metallics on her eyes.” He added that it was a surprise when Zendaya suggested, “We can do more of a lash,” which excited him.

Roach introduced Casillas to Zendaya’s world about three years ago. “At first, we didn’t deviate too much from the textures and colors we like,” Casillas noted. “But now, we’re playing outside of that.”

For the Oscars, Casillas created a burnished glam look using Prada Beauty. “My signature is beautifully layered skin with dimension, a pop of color, and glow,” he explained, adding that Prada’s new Touch Blush was the perfect finishing touch for a monochromatic beauty look. He kept her lips glossy and within the color scheme using Prada Balm in Noisette.

The fashion look—a “grown and sexy” Vuitton dress paired with Cindy Chao jewelry and a Rolex—was already chosen, but the glam details were still being decided. When Zendaya stepped on stage, they had clearly embraced a “monochromatic vibe,” with smoldering bronzy brown eyes and cheeks, and hydrated-looking lips in the same palette.

Casillas also mentioned that Zendaya has recently been tweaking her eyebrows. “Zendaya does her own eyebrows,” he said. “If they need a little trim, she takes care of it. Lately, we’ve been going for a slightly thinner brow—lightly filled in, not as bold as before.”

Another big change is her hair, transitioning from an Italian bob to a bixie cut. Although Stephen didn’t originally cut it, she has been maintaining the trendy style. “She wanted a short cut that offered versatility and worked with her natural texture,” Stephen shared. Casillas added, “She’s so happy with the haircut and feels like it’s very her. It’s made her more open to playing a bit more.”

For the Oscars, Stephen and Zendaya opted for a polished look, using the upcoming ghd Speed Hair Dryer (available in May) and styling her hair with a side part tucked behind her ears.

Zendaya and her glam team are just getting started. Next up? More (faux!) bridal-themed content ahead of her film The Drama, releasing April 3. Then, she reunites with partner Tom Holland on screen for The Odyssey—along with plenty more fantastic glam looks.Ya at the Oscars Through the Years

2021
Pool/Getty Images

2018
ANGELA WEISS/Getty Images

2018
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

2022
Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

2021
Pool/Getty Images

2015
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

2015
Jason Merritt/Getty Images

2024
John Shearer

Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs How Zendayas Red Carpet Style Has Evolved for Her Bridal Era

Q1 What does Bridal Era mean in fashion and how does it relate to Zendaya
A In fashion a Bridal Era refers to a period where a celebritys style incorporates elements traditionally associated with bridalwearlike lace tulle pearls ivorywhite palettes and romantic silhouettesinto their everyday redcarpet looks For Zendaya its not about being engaged but a thematic elegant style chapter shes embracing

Q2 How was Zendayas red carpet style different before this Bridal Era
A Earlier in her career Zendaya was known for bold highfashion risks dramatic colors avantgarde shapes powerful pantsuits and playful genderfluid outfits It was about making a statement and showcasing versatility

Q3 What are the key hallmarks of her current Bridal Era style
A Key elements include
Color Palette A focus on creams ivories champagne and soft pastels
Fabrics Details Frequent use of lace delicate embroidery pearls sheer tulle and silk
Silhouettes Romantic flowing gowns often with softer shoulders and waistdefining shapes
Overall Vibe A more mature timeless and ethereal elegance compared to her earlier edgy statements

Q4 Is this style shift just because of her role in Challengers
A While her role as Tashi in Challengers influenced some athleticinspired looks the Bridal Era is a broader stylistic choice separate from that films promotion It reflects her personal style evolution and collaboration with her longtime stylist Law Roach

Q5 Whats a standout example of a Bridal Era look