Zendaya stuns in iconic Whitney Houston inspired dress at Essence Hollywood awards

Zendaya delivered one of the most talked about fashion moments of the night at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards after stepping onto the blue carpet in a dress with deep pop culture history tied to Whitney Houston.

The actor arrived wearing a striking off the shoulder white minidress decorated with large silver and gold hibiscus flowers. The vintage design instantly caught attention because of its famous past. The dress was originally worn by Houston during a promotional photo shoot in the late 1980s, later becoming an enduring image connected to the singer’s legacy.

Decades later, the design gained a second life when Sarah Jessica Parker wore a version of the same dress as her character Carrie Bradshaw in the opening scene of the film Sex and the City. By bringing the piece back onto the red carpet, Zendaya created a layered tribute that connected multiple generations of fashion history.

The dress was designed by Eugene Stutzman, also known as Eugene Alexander, and is widely considered one of the most recognisable archival fashion pieces from the era. Zendaya paired the look with white pumps and jewellery, allowing the dramatic floral detailing of the dress to remain the centrepiece.

The homage was carefully orchestrated by Zendaya’s longtime stylist Law Roach, who is known for sourcing archival pieces that carry cultural significance. Roach celebrated the moment online and described the look as one of the most iconic dresses in cinema history.

Fans and fashion watchers quickly recognised the tribute and praised Zendaya for reviving a historic fashion moment tied to Houston’s legacy. The appearance continued Zendaya’s reputation for turning red carpet events into cultural moments, particularly through looks that reference influential figures and iconic eras in fashion.

The Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards celebrate the achievements and impact of Black women across film and television, making the tribute particularly meaningful. By wearing a piece once associated with Houston, Zendaya honoured a legend whose influence continues to resonate decades later while reminding audiences how fashion can connect different generations of cultural icons.