Finance

In a recent interview, acclaimed actress Zendaya offered insights into her inaugural womenswear line for the athletic brand On, developed in partnership with her long-time stylist, Law Roach. This collection, born from her ongoing collaboration with the Swiss company, emphasizes a fusion of practical comfort and modern style. She shared her personal journey with fashion, from childhood experiments with clothing to the detailed creative process behind her new collection, stressing the significance of personal expression and versatility in design.

Zendaya's latest venture introduces a collection of seven distinct items: a tank top, a T-shirt, an anorak, a coach’s jacket, a midi skirt, parachute pants, and Bermuda shorts, alongside a refreshed version of On’s popular Cloudnova shoe, dubbed the Cloudnova Moon. This collection marks a significant step, moving beyond performance-specific athletic wear to pieces that cater to the daily lives of individuals. The launch is accompanied by a visually compelling campaign video directed by Spike Jonze, capturing the essence of movement and creative freedom.

Reflecting on her early relationship with fashion, Zendaya recalled how her parents fostered her individuality, allowing her to choose her own attire from a young age. This freedom enabled her to develop a unique sense of style, unburdened by external judgments that often accompany adolescence. She highlighted the importance of this explorative phase, where fashion acts as a canvas for self-discovery, leading to a natural evolution of personal taste over time.

The collaboration with Law Roach, which began when Zendaya was 14, has been pivotal in shaping her fashion sensibilities. Roach, with his background in curating vintage apparel, introduced her to the rich history and artistry of fashion. This mentorship instilled in her an appreciation for garments beyond their immediate appeal, fostering a deeper understanding of design and craftsmanship. Their working relationship is characterized by mutual inspiration, exchanging ideas gleaned from their travels and observations, culminating in a collection that is both innovative and deeply personal.

When discussing the genesis of her partnership with On, Zendaya revealed her introduction to the brand was quite organic, stemming from her role as an athlete in the film Challengers. The unparalleled comfort of On’s footwear quickly made her a devotee. Law Roach echoed this sentiment, noting the widespread use of On shoes among crew members on set, due to their comfort during long hours. This natural affinity laid the groundwork for a partnership aimed at infusing a stronger fashion perspective into athletic wear, a goal central to both Zendaya’s and Roach’s personal brands.

The collection’s design philosophy revolves around 'cool minimalism' and 'basic pieces' that transcend mere functionality. Zendaya envisioned clothing that would serve various aspects of an individual's life, from active pursuits to casual outings. The aim was to create versatile, interchangeable pieces that allow for endless combinations, offering ease and confidence. This approach reflects her own need for simple, adaptable clothing in her personal life, contrasting with her more experimental professional fashion choices.

The collaborative design process with On’s VP of apparel design, Tim Coppens, involved meticulous attention to detail. Roach’s expertise in sourcing vintage fabrics and silhouettes, combined with Zendaya’s personal wardrobe inspirations, guided the creation of each piece. They emphasized their hands-on involvement, ensuring that the collection truly represented their vision and commitment to quality. The clothes are designed to be a 'blank canvas,' inviting wearers to infuse their own character and personality, thereby supporting diverse forms of movement and self-expression.

The collection emphasizes versatility, with pieces like the parachute pants designed to transition seamlessly from a dog walk to a business meeting. This 'transformative activewear' aims to provide comfort and style across different occasions, acknowledging that 'movement looks different for all of us.' The collaboration also extends to the campaign video, directed by Spike Jonze, which beautifully captures the creative process as an exploration of internal thoughts and experimentation, embodying a joyful and charming spirit that resonates deeply with Zendaya.

The fashion landscape at Coachella is undergoing a notable transformation, moving away from the predictable, uniform trends that once characterized the festival. Madeline Rad, a seasoned attendee, recalls the widespread "awful disc belt moment" of 2025 as a prime example of these fleeting fads. For years, Coachella's style was synonymous with specific items like flower crowns, body chains, and gladiator sandals, largely influenced by celebrity appearances in the early 2010s. This created a distinct "festival uniform" that became closely associated with the year 2016, a period now viewed with a sense of ambient nostalgia.

However, the current trajectory points towards a more diverse and personal approach to dressing. Stylist Stephanee Santamaría, who is preparing an artist for the 2026 lineup, observes a significant evolution. She notes that the "2016 Coachella moment" reflected a somewhat rigid way of dressing, which, despite its expressiveness, eventually became predictable. Today, Santamaría sees festival style as far more individualized, focusing on strong silhouettes, clean lines, and an effortless aesthetic that emphasizes personal representation over generic "festival dressing." Rad's predictions for this year's style, a blend of early-to-mid 2010s elements with modern minimalism, incorporating oversized and miniature pieces, animal prints, and unique accessories, further underscore this shift towards eclectic self-expression, with many attendees opting for secondhand finds.

This cultural shift towards hyper-personalization is particularly pronounced in an environment like Coachella, where extreme conditions necessitate practical yet stylish choices. Attendees like Makena Spencer highlight that the festival now encourages exploring fashion boundaries and expressing individuality, rather than adhering to a fixed dress code. Even though the desire to "show off" and keep up with current trends remains, there's a growing consciousness about investing in versatile pieces that can be worn beyond the festival grounds. The inherent challenges of the desert climate also contribute to this focus on adaptable accessories and layered looks, allowing for both comfort and creative distinction, thereby fostering a vibrant and evolving sartorial conversation.

The continuous evolution of Coachella's style reflects a broader societal trend where individuality and personal narrative are increasingly valued in fashion. It underscores the idea that true style emerges from within, shaped by personal choices and creative adaptations, rather than strict adherence to external trends.