Before Zendaya’s ascent to stardom with award-winning roles – Euphoria, Spiderman, Dune, and Malcolm & Marie, to name just a few, she was a Disney girl. Ask any OG Z-Swagger about the beginnings of the Oakland-bred actor’s career and you’ll immediately hear of her time as Rocky on Disney’s Shake It Up. This was undoubtedly a memorable role in Zendaya’s resume — not just because of her acting gigs or music releases (remember her debut tracks “Swag It Out” and “Replay”?), but also on account of her eclectic fashion sense. While she inspired a generation of Justice-meets-Forever 21 preteens, the now-26-year-old recently reflected on her style from that era, and, like many of us, she has some regrets.
Before Zendaya’s ascent to stardom with award-winning roles – Euphoria, Spiderman, Dune, and Malcolm & Marie, to name just a few, she was a Disney girl. Ask any OG Z-Swagger about the beginnings of the Oakland-bred actor’s career and you’ll immediately hear of her time as Rocky on Disney’s Shake It Up. This was undoubtedly a memorable role in Zendaya’s resume — not just because of her acting gigs or music releases (remember her debut tracks “Swag It Out” and “Replay”?), but also on account of her eclectic fashion sense. While she inspired a generation of Justice-meets-Forever 21 preteens, the now-26-year-old recently reflected on her style from that era and, like many of us, she has some regrets.
Red carpet cringe aside, Zendaya’s relationship with her forever stylist remains strong, even after he retired from his work earlier this year. Since Roach’s announcement, he confirmed his role as Zendaya’s creative director instead. “He’s involved in every fashion contract, everything I do,” she says. “If I have an opportunity where he can come with me, he’s always going to be there. He’s always been my creative director in a sense, and he continues to fill that role because it’s more than just clothes on a red carpet. It’s a bigger thing.”
“Our relationship is like family, so I don’t think I’m going anywhere — and even if I wanted to, she wouldn’t let me,” Roach tells Elle. “I’m grateful that people like the work and understand the story. And I’m grateful for her allowing me to shine. It’s not often that such a big superstar like that is very generous and understanding when someone wants to step out. She’s been one of my biggest supporters.”
