It’s clear to all who know of Zendaya that we are witnessing the historic bloom of a current and future superstar. Besides already being among the likes of Cher and Madonna for being able to successfully be a one-name celebrity, she has used this year of social and political change in order to reinstate herself as a walking myth: whether it’s being the youngest person ever, at 24, to win the Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series or paying a highly praised tribute to Donyale Luna, the first black supermodel, with her Essence cover.
The next step in her already legendary career is one on the path of fashion. Zendaya has been named as the face of a new generation at the iconic fashion house Maison Valentino.
Pierpaolo Piccioli, creative director for Maison Valentino, is looking to reclaim the word “diva,” a word that, in Piccioli’s eyes, is “DIfferent VAlues,” according to CR Fashion Book, that must satisfy the contemporary need to identify, to belong yet feel different, to risk and feel strength.
With Zendaya’s recruitment as house ambassador, Piccioli is taking steps toward realizing this vision. “The reason why we chose Zendaya as the new face for Valentino is because she perfectly embodies and represents what Valentino is and stands for, today,” Piccioli explained in a statement. “She is a powerful and fierce young woman that uses her talent and her work to express herself, her values and her generation as well.”
By adding Zendaya to the Valentino family, Piccioli is adding to what the fashion world has already known about her: she is a true visionary, and has the 2020 Green Carpet Fashion Award to prove it.
Of the new appointment, Zendaya said in a statement, “I am honored to have been chosen as the face of Valentino. I’m so excited to begin this amazing collaboration with Pierpaolo and the entire Valentino family.”