When Zendaya walked to the red carpet wearing a Cher-esque bare dress, or a Mugler Cyborg suit made from real metal, the last emotion she seems to be telegraphing is anxiety. But looks are deceived: even the undisputed fashion icon of the 21st century sometimes has her hesitation.

In a new interview for Vanity Fair's 2025 Hollywood issue, Zendaya opened up about how she really feels when she and Lo Roach show the world their latest red carpet experiment. Asked if she has ever felt uneasy about her outfit, Z replied, "Sometimes, sure.""

Who can blame her'Zendaya is often the first to wear a very unusual archival piece after decades in storage (see: Her Cyborg Couture Givenchy Suit For The Dune: Part Two press run). Or is she the first to try a completely custom creation from one of the most famous designers in fashion — Louis Vito, who she wore on the Challenger tour

The risk is that whether she is playing proportions or experimenting with bold cut-out silhouettes, the Zendaya red carpet costume formula is the best choice. It is an important element of the system. Still, the actor told Vanity Fair that these looks were ultimately more like "armor" than a source of anxiety.

"I also think fashion is a tool for me in many ways. I think of myself as a shy person, but I think you won't notice much from the crazy, sometimes ridiculous things I wear, adding that she and Lo Roach invent characters with full-on back stories for each outfit — she looks red like an acting opportunity. To be able to handle carpet clothes.

"I just embody this girl — whoever this woman is tonight," Zendaya explained. "It makes the whole process easier because it's not your own. It doesn't feel like "what am I doing?""And more," this is really cool and fun.

Before she appeared on Vanity Fair cover, in fresh Alaia on the runway, Z had been spotted in a much more modest outfit around Boston. Photographed with Robert Pattinson, she wears a cozy sweater and a deliciously oversized winter coat. Clothes Anxiety' When she's off the red carpet, there's no way she's not comfortable with anything.