You remember the 2018 Met Gala, right? Everyone was talking about Rihanna dressed as the Pope and Katy Perry lugging around those giant, impractical angel wings. But honestly, the image that’s basically burned into our collective fashion memory is Zendaya. She didn't just show up; she transformed.
The theme was Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination. Most celebs went for halos or crosses. Zendaya and her long-time "image architect" Law Roach went a totally different way. They looked at the history of the Catholic Church and saw a warrior. Specifically, they saw Zendaya Joan of Arc.
The Custom Versace Armor That Stole the Show
Let's talk about that dress. It wasn't just a silver gown. It was a custom Atelier Versace masterpiece designed to mimic 15th-century plate armor. You’ve got the gorget (that stiff neck piece), the pauldrons on the shoulders, and a heavy-duty belt that looked like it could actually hold a sword.
But it wasn't all hard edges. Underneath the "armor," the gown flowed into a beaded silk chiffon skirt with a serious train. It was this weird, perfect mix of "I’m here to lead an army" and "I’m the best-dressed person in this museum."
Why the Red Bob Was a Risky Move
One of the most debated parts of the Zendaya Joan of Arc look wasn't even the metal. It was the hair. She stepped out with a blunt, wavy red bob and micro-bangs. People at the time were like, "Is that a wig? Did she actually cut it?"
Ursula Stephen, the genius hairstylist behind the look, eventually spilled the tea. It was a wig, but it was specifically chosen to evoke the classic "pageboy" cut associated with Joan of Arc. Joan famously cut her hair short to fit in with the soldiers she led. Zendaya’s version was just... way more fashion. It added this copper-red pop against the gunmetal silver that made her stand out even from across the room.
The Secret Meaning Behind the Choice
Why Joan of Arc? Honestly, it was a power move. Joan of Arc is a saint, sure, but she was also a teenage girl who defied every single rule of her time. She led men into battle, wore their clothes, and died for her convictions.
Law Roach has talked about how they wanted to channel a strong female figure within Catholicism. By picking the Maid of Orléans, Zendaya wasn't just wearing a pretty dress. She was making a statement about female power and resilience. It’s why people still bring this look up in 2026 whenever a new Met Gala theme is announced. It set the bar for what "on theme" actually looks like.
Getting the Look (Without the Versace Price Tag)
You probably aren't going to be commissioning Donatella Versace for your next big event. But the Zendaya Joan of Arc aesthetic—often called "Knightcore" or "Medieval Weird Core" lately—is actually pretty easy to pull inspiration from.
- Mixed Textures: The secret to her look was the contrast between the hard metallic plates and the soft, flowing fabric. Pair a structured faux-leather jacket or corset with a sheer, flowy maxi skirt.
- The Hardware: Look for jewelry with weight. Think thick chains, heavy rings (she wore Tiffany & Co. that night), and maybe a metallic neckpiece if you're feeling bold.
- The Silhouette: Joan of Arc is all about the shoulders. Anything with structured padding or a high neck gives off that "ready for battle" energy.
What This Look Did for Zendaya's Career
Before 2018, people knew Zendaya was stylish. After 2018? She was a fashion icon. Period. This was the moment she transitioned from "Disney star who looks good" to "The person everyone waits for on the red carpet."
It’s also a masterclass in collaboration. Law Roach and Zendaya have this shorthand that allows them to take massive risks. If she had shown up in a simple gold dress with a halo, we wouldn't be talking about it eight years later. Instead, she gave us a narrative.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Style
If you want to channel some of that Zendaya Joan of Arc energy, start with your silhouette. Most people are afraid of looking too "tough," but the trick is to balance it out. If you're wearing something structured and metallic, keep your makeup dewy and soft—just like Sheika Daley did for Zendaya using Pat McGrath Labs products.
Next time you're getting ready for a big event, don't just ask what looks "pretty." Ask what story you're trying to tell. Are you the warrior or the saint? Or, like Zendaya, can you be both?
Go through your closet and find one piece that feels "armored"—maybe a stiff blazer or a heavy metallic belt. Pair it with something completely opposite, like a silk slip dress or a sheer top. That tension is where the style happens.
