Zendaya delivered a dazzling fashion moment at the 2026 Emmy Awards, stepping onto the carpet in a plunging silver ‘naked’ dress covered in sparkling embellishments.
The actress made an unforgettable entrance at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, 14 September, with her sheer gown combining a dramatic neckline, a defined waist and a delicate trailing hem.
Created by Prada and styled by her longtime collaborator Law Roach, the dress brought another striking look to Zendaya’s awards-show wardrobe.
Her short, textured hairstyle gave the glittering ensemble a fresh finish, while softly shimmering makeup picked up the light from her gown.
Zendaya’s shimmering silver gown
The dress featured a deeply plunging neckline edged with fine, skin-toned tulle, with crystal embellishments cascading down the bodice and across the sheer skirt.
A wide, sparkling waistband defined the silhouette, while the sleeveless cut and low sides added to the gown’s barely-there effect.
From behind, the design revealed a plunging back and a gauzy train scattered with delicate beadwork. As Zendaya turned for the cameras, the translucent fabric spread across the blue carpet.
© Deadline via Getty ImagesShe kept her neckline free of jewellery, allowing the dress to take centre stage. Instead, she accessorised with statement earrings featuring floral shapes and pearl drops, a sparkling watch and rings.
The combination of sheer fabric and dense embellishment gave the gown its ‘naked’ effect, with the silver detailing tracing the length of the dress.
Zendaya’s pixie crop and glowing makeup
Zendaya’s beauty look was just as considered as her outfit. Her brunette pixie crop was styled with tousled texture through the crown and soft waves around her forehead, leaving her earrings fully on display.
Shimmering pink eyeshadow brightened her eyes, complemented by long lashes, defined brows and rosy blush. A glossy, softly lined lip completed the look.
The warm pink tones brought softness to the cool silver of her dress, while luminous highlights across her cheekbones and shoulders added to the overall glow.
© AFP via Getty ImagesZendaya has long treated beauty as an opportunity to experiment. In a 2016 interview with Allure, she explained that her upbringing had encouraged her to value herself beyond her appearance.
“I wasn’t raised with the notion that I had to wear makeup or do my hair to feel beautiful,” she told the publication.
How Zendaya trained for Challengers
Her work has also given her reasons to explore different forms of exercise, particularly when preparing to play tennis prodigy Tashi Duncan in Challengers.
For the 2024 film, Zendaya and co-stars Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist trained with tennis consultant Brad Gilbert, whose coaching career has included working with Andre Agassi and Coco Gauff.
© Getty Images for Amazon MGM StudSpeaking to People, Gilbert described a three-month preparation period in Boston, with early-morning practice and carefully rehearsed tennis sequences designed to make the actors convincing on court.
That training was part of her preparation for a specific role, rather than a routine she has said she follows year-round.
Another major Emmys appearance
Zendaya attended this year’s ceremony with another nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Rue Bennett in Euphoria.
She previously won the award in 2020 and 2022, making the ceremony a particularly significant fixture in her career.
© FilmMagic for HBOThe appearance follows a busy run of projects, including The Drama, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, with Dune: Part Three still to come.
Zendaya’s simple way to unwind
Away from film sets and red carpets, Zendaya’s preferred downtime sounds considerably more relaxed. In a July 2026 interview with Vogue, she described enjoying walks with Tom Holland and their dogs. She also admitted that cold plunges hold little appeal, preferring a long, hot shower when she feels overwhelmed.
Her idea of switching off centres on fresh air and time with her pets. “I love to go on a walk with our fur babies, just seeing them happy and going to the park,” she told the publication.
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