Zendaya's '90s Glamour Reimagined: A Beauty and Style Breakdown

Zendaya's Star Turn: A Look at the Past, Present, and Future

When Zendaya stepped onto the red carpet at the 2026 Emmys, she wasn't just showing up — she was delivering a visual manifesto. With her new pixie cut and a stunning crystal-encrusted Prada gown, she turned heads and redefined what it means to channel the golden age of beauty. It wasn't just about looking glamorous; it was about telling a story — a story of style that bridges decades.

"I was inspired by sparkly crystals on her dress to maximize the glow and play with both frosty and satin textures with the makeup," said celebrity makeup artist Ernesto Casillas. "It's a callback to late '90s makeup on the red carpets."

That sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of Zendaya's look: it wasn't about nostalgia for its own sake, but rather a curated nod to an era that continues to inspire modern beauty trends.

The Beauty Behind the Glamour

Casillas, who has worked with the star for years, brought his A-game to create a look that paid tribute to both her style and the vintage aesthetics of the late 1990s. His approach was strategic, using a full Prada Beauty lineup to match the gown's shimmering design.

He began with the Prada Augmented Skin Essence, Augmented Skin Cream, and Augmented Skin Eye Cream to prep the skin, ensuring a flawless canvas. From there, he applied the Prada Reveal Skin Optimizing Foundation in MW55 and Blurring + Micro-Correcting Concealer in MN5, achieving a soft, luminous base.

Eye Candy: The Frosty, Focused Look

The eyes were the focal point of this vintage-inspired beauty. Casillas employed Prada's Dimensions Holo Nude Eyeshadow in 08 Pansy, a frosty, multidimensional palette that caught the light beautifully. The look was completed with Pradalines Durable Gliding Eye Pencil in Wood and Pradascope Lash Extending Mascara in Nero, achieving a soft, sultry eye that felt both classic and fresh.

Lips: The Perfect Finale

For lips, Casillas chose Prada's Monochrome Soft Matte lipstick in Tiepolo, a deep brown-nude that echoed the palette of the late '90s, before adding Reflection Glossy Liquid Balm in Blushware, a soft pink-gold gloss that gave her lips a modern, luscious finish.

Hairstyling: A Pixie with Personality

The look was completed by hairstylist Coree Moreno, who styled Zendaya's new pixie cut using ghd tools. The result was a refined yet rebellious silhouette — not your typical '90s pixie, but one that felt fresh and editorial, perfectly suited to Zendaya's evolving personal style.

Moreno described the inspiration as “a classic pixie reimagined through a modern, editorial lens,” with “a little rebellion” worked into the otherwise refined silhouette. She first shaped the cut using the ghd Speed hair dryer, before using the ghd Sculpt flat iron to lift and redirect individual pieces. The final touch? A gentle finger style for added texture at the crown and fringe.

What It All Means: A Fashion Statement That Resonates

Zendaya's 2026 Emmy look wasn't just a beauty experiment — it was an artistic statement. It demonstrated how the aesthetics of a past decade can be reinterpreted for today's fashion landscape, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and modernity. Her pixie cut, the makeup choices, and even the hair styling all served as threads in a larger tapestry of self-expression.

As we reflect on this look, it's clear that Zendaya is not just a star — she's an influencer, a trendsetter, and a force to be reckoned with. Her ability to blend timeless glamour with modern edge sets the stage for future fashion moments — both on and off the red carpet.

Whether you're planning your next glam look or simply admiring the evolution of Zendaya's style, one thing is certain: her star power is here to stay, and we're lucky to witness it.