By all definitions, Euphoria’s lurid Y2K aesthetic lends perfectly to Coachella festival
fashion—despite its recent minimalist style. And who embodies this better but none other than Zendaya, who took a leaf out of Rihanna’s book and came out of musical retirement for a rare performance on weekend two of the annual music and arts festival.
Before you get your hopes up and wonder if the multi-hyphenated star took over Frank Ocean’s closing spot on Sunday evening, Zendaya actually made a low-key return to the industry by joining British musician Labrinth for a surprise duet during his slot on the Mojave stage.
For her first performance in eight years, the 26-year-old performed “All For Us” and “I’m Tired” from the Award winning show.
The former, which was featured as part of Euphoria’s first season, also won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics in 2020.
Seeing Rue take to the Coachella Valley stage wasn’t what we anticipated for her character arc, but the meta-ness of it all has us craving more musical performances from Zendaya.
For the occasion, the actress also looked to the HBO show for sartorial inspiration.
Rather than opting for her character’s iconic burgundy zip-up hoodie, Zendaya opted for something more saccharine and of the Jules circa season one variety.
Donning a white ribbed tank top, the certified fashion icon layered a halter neck, pastel pink mini dress with dainty ribbon detailing and lace trim over the top.
Offsetting the feminine upper half of her ensemble was a pair of vampish lace-up stiletto leather boots that Kat Hernandez no doubt has SSENSE shopping cart.
While Zendaya’s look was enough to cement her supernova status, her performance was enough to make us ask: Zendaya, where the hell have you been loca?
Zendaya released her first and only musical album in 2013, which she eponymously titled Zendaya, and has subsequently lent her vocal talent to acting projects she’s aligned with.
As Zendaya herself sang in “All For Us”, she’s doing it all for love. Perhaps the reception she received to the performance is enough to lull her back to the recording studio.
