Almost two years later, Zendaya’s backless dress at the 2024 Gotham Awards is still one of those red-carpet looks I find myself coming back to. It wasn’t covered in sequins, buried under layers of embellishment or designed to shock everyone in the room. Instead, Zendaya and stylist Law Roach went for something sleek, sophisticated and incredibly simple. And somehow, that made the look even more memorable.
Originally published in December 2024, this is one fashion moment that still deserves a second look. At the 34th Gotham Awards on December 2, 2024, Zendaya arrived at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City wearing a custom Louis Vuitton gown designed by Nicolas Ghesquière and styled by Law Roach. She was there to receive the Spotlight Tribute for her performance as Tashi Donaldson in Challengers, but naturally, her red-carpet appearance became a fashion story of its own.
And honestly, this is still one of my favorite Zendaya looks.
Here’s why.
Zendaya’s Backless Dress That Stole the Moment
Zendaya wore a custom Louis Vuitton double-satin gown in a soft off-white shade. The minimalist design featured a high halter neckline and a dramatically open back, creating a silhouette that felt elegant without looking overly formal.
The gown was designed by Nicolas Ghesquière, with Law Roach working alongside Louis Vuitton to create the look. Vogue reported that Roach wanted something more streamlined for Zendaya that evening, describing the result as simple, sexy and modern.
From the front, the dress looked almost deceptively simple. The real drama came when Zendaya turned around, revealing the plunging open back that gave the otherwise clean silhouette its edge.
It was proof that a red-carpet dress doesn’t need to do too much to get attention.
A Subtle Nod to Challengers
Zendaya had spent much of the Challengers promotional tour embracing fashion inspired by her character, Tashi Duncan, with tennis references appearing throughout her wardrobe. By the time she arrived at the Gotham Awards, she and Roach had already created one of the most recognizable examples of movie-inspired dressing of the year.
But this time, they took a different approach.
Rather than dressing Zendaya as Tashi from head to toe, the gown offered a much quieter connection to the character and the world of Challengers. Roach explained to Vogue that the look remained in the same vein as the character but was less character-driven than the film’s press tour.
Law Roach Kept the Styling Minimal
Zendaya kept her jewelry understated, wearing Bulgari pieces rather than piling on statement accessories. She also wore sleek heels, allowing the Louis Vuitton gown to remain the centerpiece of the look.
There was no giant necklace fighting with the halter neckline and no oversized earrings distracting from the open back. Every element seemed to have been chosen to let the dress breathe.
Her Hair and Makeup Let the Dress Lead
Her hair was pulled into a sleek high ponytail, keeping her face and neckline visible while adding a youthful finish to the sophisticated gown.
Her makeup followed the same understated direction, with softly defined eyes and a natural-looking complexion rather than a dramatic beauty look competing with the dress. Everything worked together without making the outfit feel overstyled.
The Gotham Awards 2024 Moment Was About More Than Fashion
At the 34th Gotham Awards, she received the Spotlight Tribute for her performance as Tashi Donaldson in Challengers. The Gotham Film & Media Institute also highlighted her work as a leading actress and producer on the film.
Challengers had already become one of 2024’s biggest fashion-and-film conversations, thanks in part to Zendaya’s performance and the carefully planned wardrobe she wore throughout the promotional tour. The Gotham honor gave that chapter of her career another significant moment.
FAQs
What dress did Zendaya wear to the 2024 Gotham Awards?
Zendaya wore a custom off-white Louis Vuitton halter gown designed by Nicolas Ghesquière and styled by Law Roach.
Who designed Zendaya’s Gotham Awards dress?
Nicolas Ghesquière designed the custom Louis Vuitton gown Zendaya wore to the 34th Gotham Awards.
Was Zendaya’s Gotham Awards dress inspired by Challengers?
Yes. The minimalist white gown subtly continued the tennis-inspired fashion story from Challengers.
What award did Zendaya receive at the 2024 Gotham Awards?
Zendaya received the Spotlight Tribute for her performance and production work on Challengers.
What did Zendaya wear to the 34th Gotham Awards?
She wore an off-white Louis Vuitton gown with a high halter neckline, dramatic open back and minimalist styling.
Who styled Zendaya at the Gotham Awards?
Law Roach styled Zendaya for the 2024 Gotham Awards, including her custom Louis Vuitton gown.
When were the 2024 Gotham Awards held?
The 34th Gotham Awards took place on December 2, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City.
What jewelry did Zendaya wear with her Gotham Awards dress?
She kept her accessories understated with Bulgari jewelry that complemented the clean Louis Vuitton gown.
She herself gave us enough memorable fashion moments that year to fill an entire list. From the futuristic looks surrounding Dune: Part Two to the tennis-inspired wardrobe created for Challengers, her red-carpet style was practically a storyline of its own.
Yet this particular look remains one of my favorites because it didn’t need all the bells and whistles.
