Law Roach on Crafting Zendaya’s The Wiz Inspired Look for the Emmys

Photo: Courtesy of Law Roach

Zendaya was one of the best-dressed attendees at last night’s Emmy Awards. Serving as a presenter for the night—though her role on HBO’s Euphoria will most likely nab her a nomination next year—the actress took to the the red carpet in a jaw-dropping gown that was “a bit sexier than what we’ve done in the past,” said Law Roach, Zendaya’s longtime self-described “image architect.”

For Zendaya’s big moment, Roach styled her in a custom-everything ensemble that was inspired by “the Emerald City scene from The Wiz,” he said. It began with the dress: Roach collaborated with Vera Wang on a bespoke single-shouldered gown in emerald green silk charmeuse that was fit with a corset. It featured dramatic draping at the hip as well as a high slit to show off some leg. “I’ve worked with Vera’s team before, and the inner workings of her dresses are incredible, so I wanted to highlight that but on the outside of the dress,” Roach said.

Then the stylist sought out a custom Brian Atwood heel to match, choosing the Cassandra pumps in—yep!—silk emerald with a bejeweled heel detail. There was no skimping on the accessories department, either. Zendaya wore 18-karat white gold diamond earrings with emerald drops and a white gold cuff with 1,302 diamonds (both by Cartier) for a sparkling finish.