Hollywood’s new red carpet trend: method dressing

Getting into personality is something that can be all-encompassing for an artist when they’re on set.

In Hollywood, the red carpet has become more than just a showcase for glamorous fashion. Increasingly, stars are using their appearances to extend their roles and reflect the themes of their latest films. 

Zendaya, known for her bold fashion choices, has recently embraced this trend with her playful tennis-themed looks inspired by her new film, Challengers.

The Concept of Method Dressing

Method dressing, as Zendaya refers to it, involves matching one’s fashion to their film role. In a recent interview on the BBC One Show, Zendaya explained how fashion serves as an outlet for her to inhabit different characters and personas. 

She first experimented with method dressing after starring in The Greatest Showman, where she playfully interpreted her character’s style.

Bringing Characters to Life on the Red Carpet

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Zendaya’s approach to method dressing reflects her understanding of the films she’s involved in. 

For The Greatest Showman, she channeled the film’s fashionable and modern aesthetic, mirroring the attention to detail in its costumes. Collaborating with her stylist Law Roach, Zendaya has continued to create film-themed looks for projects like Dune and Spider-Man: No Way Home.

The Art of Storytelling Through Fashion

Roach emphasizes the storytelling aspect of Zendaya’s red carpet looks, viewing them as an extension of the characters she portrays. 

Their partnership of over 13 years has allowed them to refine Zendaya’s signature style and create intentional and purposeful looks that resonate with audiences. Fashion journalist Chloe Burney notes that dressing in character mode on the red carpet injects fun into the event and sparks conversations about the films themselves.

Zendaya’s Impact

Zendaya’s tennis-themed looks for Challengers have garnered attention and sparked discussions, showcasing the power of method dressing to captivate audiences and elevate the promotional efforts of films. 

As Hollywood continues to embrace this trend, the red carpet becomes not only a platform for fashion but also a space for storytelling and creativity.