Zendaya’s 2015 “Empathy Rocks” Look Proves Her Fashion Instincts Were Iconic From the Start
By Christopher Harper
Zendaya has never been one to treat a casual daytime event as an excuse to hold back—and her appearance at Children Mending Hearts’ “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser is a perfect example of how her early style instincts still hold up today.
Honored alongside fellow young Hollywood names, including Teen Wolf cast members, Pretty Little Liars alum Shay Mitchell, and U.S. Ambassador to the Bahamas Nicole Avant, the actress brought her signature blend of ease and polish to the Malibu charity event, which supports creative and educational programs for underserved youth worldwide.
Zendaya added playful charm to her polished look with a cheeky wink, showcasing her bronzy makeup, bold brows, and signature topknot
Wearing a breezy black-and-white L’Agence maxi shirtdress and leaning into her now-classic combination of effortless hair and statement footwear, the then-18-year-old demonstrated a level of confidence and styling savvy that would soon make her one of fashion’s most-watched figures.
Zendaya looked effortlessly chic in a black-and-white striped L’Agence maxi shirtdress paired with bold Stuart Weitzman gladiator sandals, oversized hoop earrings, and a sleek topknot at the 2015 “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser
She carried a black crossbody bag and glammed the casual look with large hoop earrings, rings, bracelets, and a watch. Her topknot hairstyle and bronzy makeup completed her look.
Zendaya at the Children Mending Hearts 7th annual “Empathy Rocks” fundraiser at a private estate in Malibu, California, on June 14, 2015 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Celebrity Style Hacks: Elevating Looks With Topknots and Heels
Many celebrities employ strategic styling choices—such as topknots and high heels—to create the illusion of added height or further elongate their silhouettes.
Even statuesque stars like Zendaya, , use these tricks to enhance their presence on the red carpet. Here are some standout examples:
✨ Celebrity Style Hacks: Elevating Looks With Topknots and Heels
- Zoë Kravitz: to create an elongated silhouette, often paired with designer heels like Alexander Wang’s ‘Sabine’ pumps.
- Jennifer Lopez: featuring a tight top-knot hairstyle, complementing her Sergio Hudson leopard-print dress and Christian Louboutin “Follies Resille” pumps.
- Halle Berry: at Comic-Con 2017, pairing a casual romper and half-ponytail topknot with intentionally mismatched Aquatalia and Kenneth Cole sandals.
These celebrities demonstrate how combining topknot hairstyles with high heels can effectively enhance one’s stature and overall appearance.
Zendaya’s Stuart Weitzman Gladiator Sandals: A Bold Throwback
The bold pair of black sandals peeking out from under Zendaya’s dress were the Stuart Weitzman “Backview,” a stylish cross between a boot and a gladiator style. Though this design is sold out, you can explore newer Stuart Weitzman styles at and .
They are made of pebbled leather and feature bold side cutouts, open toes, elastic straps with Velcro fastenings at the back, gunmetal stud accents, and 1-inch stacked heels.
Stuart Weitzman Backview Leather Gladiator Sandals, $535
Stuart Weitzman Backview Leather Gladiator Sandals in Pecan, $535
Stuart Weitzman Backview Sandals in Snakeskin, $535
Zendaya’s Iconic Heel Moments: Elevating Style with Every Step
Known for her statuesque presence and fearless fashion choices, Zendaya consistently turns heads with her impeccable footwear selections. From red carpet events to press tours, here are some of her most memorable heel moments:
✨ Zendaya’s Most Iconic Shoe and Fashion Features on Your Next Shoes:
- 👠 at the Tiffany & Co. event, completed with Christian Louboutin’s polka-dotted “So Kate Bubble” pumps.
- 📏 , featuring designer heels like Casadei Blade pumps and Loewe tennis-ball novelty heels.
- 🕸️ , from a custom Valentino spiderweb gown with crystal Louboutins to a sharp Balmain fringed suit.
- 🛍️ , and how her confidence influences her bold fashion choices.
- 🎀 for a pair of sleek, off-white Jimmy Choo “Anouk” pumps at BeautyCon 2015.
- 🧡 , including her retro-glam black Louboutins paired with a floral Nha Khanh ensemble.
These moments highlight Zendaya’s ability to seamlessly blend fashion-forward footwear with her distinctive style, solidifying her status as a modern style icon.
