Zendaya’s Ancient Artifact Fashion Debate for ‘Odyssey’

Zendaya rarely misses on the red carpet, but her latest look for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey press tour has ignited a fierce global controversy that goes far beyond typical fashion critique.

While attending a London photocall with Tom Holland for the blockbuster in which she portrays the Greek goddess Athena, the 29-year-old superstar stepped out in a stunning custom white Jacquemus halter gown. However, it wasn’t the dress that set the internet ablaze; it was her choice of jewelry.

Zendaya wore a pair of statement gold earrings crafted from 3,000-year-old ancient Iranian gold medallions, sparking a fashion debate.

What Are the Earrings and Where Did They Come From?

The controversial accessories feature gold medallion plaques dating back to the 1st millennium BCE, decorated with ancient sun motifs. They are believed to belong to the famous Ziwiye hoard, a collection of Median-period treasures discovered in Northwest Iran in the late 1940s.

How they became jewelry: Renowned jeweler Glenn Spiro acquired the relics as part of his Materials of the Old World collection, mounting the ancient discs into 18-karat yellow gold and diamonds using a non-invasive claw setting. The pieces were later acquired by London dealer Barron London for their private collection.

Her image architect, Law Roach, described the decision to style Zendaya in the ancient pieces as the ultimate form of “method dressing” to match her role as the deity Athena.

Why Archaeologists & Fans Are Outraged

While fashion enthusiasts initially praised the breathtaking look, archaeologists, historians, and heritage campaigners quickly took to TikTok and Instagram to voice their outrage.

The main points driving the backlash include:

• Suspected Looting: Historians have noted that the Ziwiye hoard was never officially excavated; it was plundered in the 1940s and dispersed through private markets. Experts argue that displaying “undisclosed origin” pieces by celebrities normalizes the illegal antiquities trade.
• “Colonisation Chic”: Critics slammed the move as class-signaling, arguing that ancient cultural heritage belongs in a museum, not repurposed as red carpet eye candy for Western elites.
• Geopolitical Sensitivity: Many highlighted the tone-deaf timing of an American actress wearing looted Iranian cultural relics during ongoing geopolitical conflicts involving the region.

“No one has the right to use ancient artefacts like this,” wrote one viral comment. “They represent an important part of humanity’s cultural heritage, not a luxury fashion accessory.”

The Jeweler Responds

In response to the growing furore, Barron London issued a statement defending the pieces, explaining that the non-invasive setting ensures the original artifacts were not altered or damaged in any way.

“Cultural heritage rightly inspires important conversations, and we welcome informed dialogue about provenance, preservation, and the appreciation of exceptional craftsmanship,” the brand stated. They added hope that the earrings could serve as a reminder of Iran’s “enduring artistic, cultural, and historical legacy.”

Despite the defense, the debate shows no signs of slowing down, proving that even Hollywood’s biggest style icon isn’t immune to complex ethical questions when mixing ancient history with modern glam.