All Hail Zendaya, the Queen of Fashionable Spider-Man References

Zendaya's Spider-Man: No Way Home press tour outfits confirm she not only understood the assignment, but also submitted it early with ample extra credit to boot. While promoting the superhero film at various red carpet events and sit-down interviews this past month, the actor has been consistently paying fashionable tribute to characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, both good and evil. With styling help from renowned image architect Law Roach, Zendaya has stylishly referenced villains like Dr. Octopus and the Green Goblin, as well as Spider-Man himself, played by her on- and off-screen beau, Tom Holland.

Zendaya and Law are certainly no strangers to a well-researched red carpet homage — through the years, they've pieced together looks inspired by pop culture icons ranging from Aaliyah and Beyoncé to David Bowie and Cher. Seeing the work they put in ahead of the latest Spider-Man movie release has taken our appreciation for their craft to a whole new level. Join us in reliving and admiring Zendaya's referential fashion moments from the Spider-Man: No Way Home press tour ahead.

01
Zendaya's Roberto Cavalli Metal Spine Dress
Getty | AurelienMeunier2019

Zendaya's Roberto Cavalli Metal Spine Dress

Weeks later, we're still reveling at the Roberto Cavalli stunner Zendaya wore at the 2021 Ballon d'Or football awards in Paris on Nov. 29. Though it wasn't technically a promotional Spider-Man event, she chose the dress to reference Dr. Octopus from the movie franchise.

Getty | Marc Piasecki

The intricate golden spine and reptile heads clearly mimic Doc Ock's many mechanical limbs.

02
Zendaya's Green Valentino Suit
YouTube | The Graham Norton Show

Zendaya's Green Valentino Suit

The green and purple color combination in Zendaya's Valentino suit for her Graham Norton Show appearance is a clear nod to the evil Green Goblin, portrayed by Willem Dafoe.

click to play video

You can take a full look at Zendaya's suit by watching a snippet of her interview here.

03
Zendaya's Valentino Spiderweb Dress
Getty | Axelle/Bauer-Griffin

Zendaya's Valentino Spiderweb Dress

While attending the Spider-Man: No Way Home premiere in Los Angeles, Zendaya paid not-so-subtle tribute to Spider-Man's life-saving webs in a plunging embroidered gown custom-designed by Valentino.

Getty | Amy Sussman

She also upped the high-fashion factor by slipping on a black lace masquerade mask for a handful of photo ops.

04
Zendaya's Alexander McQueen Blazer Dress and Spiderweb Earrings
Getty | Karwai Tang

Zendaya's Alexander McQueen Blazer Dress and Spiderweb Earrings

Zendaya was positively dripping in jewels when she attended a London photo call in an oversize blazer dress and stocking boots from Alexander McQueen's spring/summer 2022 collection. The pièce de résistance of her look, however, was the spiderweb-shaped earrings by Jacob & Co.

Getty | Gareth Cattermole

Here's a close-up of those glamorous web earrings, for your viewing pleasure.

05
Zendaya's Kitx Crochet Top
YouTube | GameSpot Universe

Zendaya's Kitx Crochet Top

While sitting down with costars Tom Holland and Jacob Batalon for some interviews with the press, Zendaya wore a webbed crochet top and silk wrap skirt by Australian fashion brand Kitx.

click to play video

Zoom in on the intricate design of her top by checking out their full interview here.

06
Zendaya's Gold Valentino Sweater
YouTube | Access

Zendaya's Gold Valentino Sweater

Many fans think this gold wool sweater by Valentino — which Zendaya styled with a collared shirt, jeans, and loafers — is a reference to Electro's villainous lightning bolt powers.

click to play video

Catch a dazzling glimpse at her Electro tribute by watching her interview with Access here.