Zendaya‘s fame reached new heights in 2015, but the added attention didn’t stop her from taking risks.
Especially when it came to her style. Whether she was in full glam for a red carpet appearance or dressing down in tomboy-chic attire, Zendaya never failed to set the trends, rather than follow them. From her bold ensembles to her multiple hairstyles, is there anything this 19-year old can’t pull off?
There are other celebrities who had flawless years in fashion, but few stars consistently pushed boundaries like Zendaya has. We’ve watched her grow from a wholesome Disney star to a formidable fashion force and we’re loving every minute of it.
She was recently named “The Woman Of Next Year,” but we’re still stuck on the amazing run she’s had these past 12 months. Here’s why Zendaya is our favorite trendsetter of 2015.
She Brought Cornrows To Paris Fashion Week
The cornrows she rocked at Paris Fashion Week have always been worn by Black women and men. Still, it’s special for a celebrity to embrace her natural beauty in front of the world, especially at an event that celebrates the mainstream’s view of what beauty “should be.” But this wasn’t the only time she switched up her locks in 2015. Far from it.
Zendaya uses her hair as another way to express her individuality, and we can’t decide which look we like the best.
She Thinks Outside Of The Box
Zendaya’s look at the 2015 Met Gala may not have been as revealing as Kim Kardashian West‘s gown or as spontaneous as Beyonce‘s ponytail, but it definitely stood out from the rest. The custom Fausto Puglisi dress featured an asymmetric skirt and hand-stitched velvet sun motifs. Her matching headpiece tied it all together.
This transformation into a stunning sun goddess is the perfect example of Zendaya’s tendency to think outside of the box. F*ck your norms!
Eyebrow Appreciation
Can we take a second to admire the perfection that is Zendaya’s eyebrows? It may seem like a small detail compared to the noteworthy hairstyles and apparel she’s worn in the past year, but don’t get it twisted: eyebrows are a big deal, too. And users on social media have taken notice.
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Being a trendsetter amounts to executing every aspect of fierce. And there’s no question that Zendaya absolutely nails it when it comes to her eyebrows.
Clapback Game Strong
Her eccentric sense of style hasn’t come without scrutiny, though. We all remember when Giuliana Rancic made the following comment about Zendaya’s faux dreadlocks: “she probably smells like patchouli oil … or weed.” Social media erupted and Zendaya responded in the best way possible.
The eloquent statement both educated and checked Giuliana, in part reading, “there is already harsh criticism of African-American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.”
She’s also offered appropriate responses to Twitter trolls and a certain magazine that Photoshopped her photos. As a trendsetter, Zendaya inspires young people to follow in her footsteps. And we can’t think of a better path to lead than that of standing up for yourself in the face of ignorance.
Mattel Honored Her With Her Own Barbie Doll
Inspired by her poise at the 2015 Academy Awards, Mattel chose to immortalize Zendaya as a one-of-a-kind Barbie, offering many young girls the opportunity to own a doll they could identify with.
But that wasn’t her only honor of the year, as she also received not one, but two wax figures at Madame Tussauds.
If there was any doubt as to the power of her influence, this surely silenced them. Nothing says “you’ve made it” quite like having your own doll and wax figures. Congratulations on an amazing year, Zendaya. We can’t wait to see what’s next.
Click through the gallery below for more of our favorite looks from Zendaya in 2015.
PHOTO SOURCE: Getty, Splash, Twitter, Instagram
