Zendaya Continues To Champion Middle Eastern Designers On The Global Stage

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With every public appearance on her latest press tour, Zendaya has once again demonstrated the power of an artfully curated wardrobe. Working alongside longtime stylist Law Roach, the actress has recently been championing an impressive roster of Arab designers, choosing pieces that go beyond the red carpet to contribute to the cultural zeitgeist.

On the Spider-Man: Brand New Day trail, she turned to Saudi couture house Ashi Studio for a gothic, web-embroidered gown at a Mexico City fan event – a midnight-black floor-length design from the label’s spring/summer 2026 couture collection, “The Beginnings,” featuring web-like knit detailing that offered a subtle nod to her superhero co-star. Just weeks earlier, on The Odyssey tour, she tapped Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad for a Tonight Show appearance, stepping out in a striking gold brocade ensemble with a sculpted jacket, plunging neckline and cinched waist, both pieces pulled from the designer’s 2013 couture collection.

But while her newest ensembles have reignited conversations surrounding Middle Eastern fashion, her appreciation for the region’s talent stretches back years. From film premieres to date nights, Zendaya has long turned to the fashion houses of prominent Middle Eastern designers to bring her carefully considered narratives to life. Here, we look back at her standout sartorial choices so far, because her best look is always the next.

Ashi Studio

July 21, 2026

As the Spider-Man 4 press tour continues, Zendaya stepped out in Mexico City in this gorgeous midnight black silk dress with web-like knit detailing and a beaded fringe. The piece comes from designer Mohammed Ashi’s Spring/Summer 2026 Couture Collection. Born in Saudi Arabia, Ashi founded his studio in Lebanon before moving operations to Paris. His designs have been worn by several A-listers, including Queen Rania of Jordan.

April 7, 2026

The actress also bid adieu to Euphoria at the Season 3 premiere earlier this year in a stunning chocolate-brown satin gown from the same Ashi Studio collection. Pairing elements of the ’90s in the halter-neckline with modern fashion in a smoothly draped train, the daring dress also featured a plunging back.

Elie Saab

July 16, 2026

Amidst press tours for Spider-Man and The Odyssey, newlyweds Zendaya and Tom Holland made time for a date night in New York, for which she donned a black dress including a corsage-esque waist embellishment from Elie Saab’s Fall Winter 2026 Collection. Saab is one of the Middle East’s best-known designers, having first found international success over 20 years ago. He also owns boutiques in Dubai and Doha.

March 17, 2026

For the Dune 3 trailer launch event, the star opted for sand-coloured leather attire from Saab’s pre-fall 2026 catalogue. The outfit included a high-neck jacket, fitted pencil skirt and knee-high boots for a monochromatic moment that perfectly mirrored the deserts of Arrakis.

February 20, 2024

Zendaya posed with Timothée Chalamet for Entertainment Weekly’s coverage of Dune 2 in an Elie Saab haute couture gown from the Autumn 2023 collection. The gown, made from black velvet, also utilises rich gold embroidery and a cape detail to create a powerful silhouette.

Zuhair Murad

July 15, 2026

Appearing on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, Zendaya flaunted a luxurious vintage look from the Lebanese designer’s Spring 2013 Couture Catalogue. The gold ensemble consisted of a plunging, peplum-waisted blazer and a coordinated skirt, paired with matching Louboutins. Murad has also had collaborations with Jennifer Lopez, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Princess Ameera Al-Taweel of Saudi Arabia.

Barron London

July 12, 2026

These earrings made an appearance on Zendaya at a London photocall for The Odyssey. Albeit not from a Middle Eastern designer, the boutique acquired the body for them from Iran circa 700BC. The plaques themselves are remarkable Ziwiye gold medallions designed by Persian artisans, which a jeweller at Barron then mounted in yellow gold with diamonds.

Georges Hobeika

July 2, 2019

The actress assumed her role as the face of Lancôme’s Idôle fragrance in Paris in this pale blush gown courtesy of Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika. The look featured a deep neckline, high slit, pleated skirt and delicate straps, but the art of this dress lies in the intricate detailing on the bodice. Hobeika operates out of his atelier headquarters in Beirut, working with stars like Lady Gaga, Monica Belluci and Nancy Ajram.

Rani Zakhem

March 31, 2016

This one’s a bit of a throwback, but in 2016, the actress made an appearance at the premiere of Confirmation wearing Rani Zakhem. The two-piece set included a multi-coloured mosaic strapless top and a white silk crepe skirt with a coordinating side panel. Zakhem is of Lebanese descent and has dressed many a celebrity, including Nehmat Aoun, first lady of Lebanon.