Which celebrity has the best style?

Question

Accepted Answer

Defining "the best" style is inherently subjective, as fashion exists at the intersection of cultural zeitgeist, personal identity, and the mastery of tailoring. However, when historians of fashion and industry insiders discuss individuals who have transcended mere trend-following to become architectural pillars of style, one name consistently rises to the top: Zendaya.

Her sartorial trajectory, guided by the legendary stylist Law Roach, represents a masterclass in visual storytelling. Unlike many celebrities who rely on a singular "look," Zendaya operates as a chameleon, utilizing fashion to build a narrative around her projects, her public persona, and the history of couture itself.

The Philosophy of Method Dressing

Zendaya’s approach is best described as "Method Dressing." This is a strategy where the clothing worn during a press tour is meticulously curated to mirror the themes, eras, or aesthetic palettes of the film she is promoting.

For instance, during the press cycle for Dune, she utilized structural, desert-inspired silhouettes, metallic accents, and futuristic armor-like pieces. For Challengers, she pivoted toward "tennis-core," incorporating archival pieces from the 1990s and literal tennis-inspired motifs into her high-fashion repertoire. This level of intentionality transforms the red carpet from a passive display of luxury into an active, intellectual engagement with the art form of cinema.

Archival Mastery and Cultural Literacy

A significant component of what makes Zendaya’s style superior to her contemporaries is her deep reverence for fashion history. She does not merely pull the latest runway looks; she hunts for archival pieces that hold historical weight.

The 1992 Versace Gown: When she wore a vintage Versace gown to the NAACP Image Awards, she wasn't just wearing a dress; she was curating a moment of fashion nostalgia that connected her to the legacy of supermodels like Linda Evangelista.
   The Mugler Robot Suit: By donning the iconic 1995 Thierry Mugler "Cyborg" suit for the Dune: Part Two premiere, she demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the avant-garde. This choice elevated the event from a movie premiere to a cultural exhibition, proving that she understands the "why" behind the garment, not just the "how."

The Role of the Collaborative Partnership

It is impossible to discuss Zendaya’s style without acknowledging the partnership with Law Roach. In an industry where stylists often dictate trends, Roach and Zendaya function as a creative duo. They treat the body as a canvas and the red carpet as a gallery. This level of collaboration is rare; it moves beyond "dressing for an event" to "creating an image that will be studied for decades."

Their work emphasizes:
   Proportion and Silhouette: Whether wearing oversized tailoring or hyper-feminine couture, the fit is consistently impeccable.
   Color Theory: They understand how to contrast skin tone with fabric to create a striking, high-contrast visual impact.
   Fearlessness: They are willing to take risks—such as wearing a vintage Bob Mackie gown or a sculptural Bulgari snake necklace—that others might deem too costume-heavy.

Why Style is More Than Just Clothes

To have the "best" style is to have the ability to influence the industry while remaining authentic to oneself. Zendaya has successfully blurred the lines between high fashion and pop culture. She has made archival couture accessible to a younger generation, sparking a renewed interest in fashion history among Gen Z.

Furthermore, her style is not static. It evolves alongside her career. She has successfully transitioned from the polished, youthful aesthetics of her Disney era to the sophisticated, edgy, and often experimental looks of a serious leading lady. This evolution is the hallmark of true style—it is a living, breathing extension of the person’s growth.

A Comparative Perspective

While other figures like Harry Styles have revolutionized gender-fluid fashion, and A$AP Rocky has mastered the art of high-low streetwear, Zendaya occupies a unique space. She bridges the gap between the classic, Old Hollywood glamour of the mid-20th century and the radical, tech-forward, and often surrealist visions of contemporary designers like Schiaparelli or Loewe.

Ultimately, her style is considered the gold standard because it is deliberate, historical, and transformative. She does not simply wear clothes; she inhabits characters through fabric. In an era of disposable trends and influencer-led fashion, Zendaya represents a return to the "Icon"—a person whose visual identity is so strong that it becomes an inseparable part of the modern cultural landscape. She reminds us that at its best, fashion is not just about looking good; it is about communicating a vision, honoring the past, and daring to define the future.