The summer heat in New York City is notoriously unforgiving. Yet on a sweltering Wednesday afternoon in Tribeca, Zendaya turned heads in a midriff-baring tank top and a $1,250 pair of red velvet ballet flats. She managed to look entirely unbothered.
The actress is currently juggling promotional duties for both The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day alongside her husband Tom Holland. Her red carpet wardrobe has been a masterclass in method dressing orchestrated by Law Roach. We have seen everything from vintage cobwebbed gowns to Khaite Grecian tunics. But her street style relies on a completely different set of sartorial codes entirely.
Off-duty moments are where the real styling actually happens.
Zendaya traded her towering Christian Louboutin So Kates for something far more polarizing. She grounded her look with a pair of burgundy Maison Margiela Tabis. The controversial split-toe flats retail for around $1,250.
The Tabi has always been a conversation starter. It challenges traditional notions of beauty with its anatomical divide. Choosing this specific silhouette in a heavy crushed velvet during a July heatwave is a deliberate subversion of seasonal norms. The rich textile adds an unexpected layer of texture to an otherwise minimalist ensemble. It is an intellectual choice for a casual neighborhood stroll.
Wearing velvet in the summer requires an inherent level of confidence.
The rest of her outfit leaned heavily into downtown nonchalance. She wore a simple white scoop-neck tank top that exposed a sliver of midriff. Her super low-slung baggy blue jeans featured dramatically turned-up cuffs at the bottom of the hems.
This relaxed proportion play highlights the delicate nature of the ballet flat. The pooling denim creates a framing effect for the footwear. Accessories were kept strictly luxurious but understated. She carried a soft cream leather Louis Vuitton City Steamer Soft MM bag. A paisley satin scarf was effortlessly tied around the top handle for a touch of bohemian flair.
Even her everyday jewelry maintained a deeply personal touch.
Her left hand displayed a Jessica McCormack wedding band. It sat neatly next to the east-west cushion cut diamond engagement ring from Holland. She pushed back her curly bixie haircut with a classic pair of dark sunglasses to complete the look.
The luxury footwear market is currently experiencing a fascinating shift. While stilettos will always hold court on the red carpet, daywear has embraced the eccentric flat. Maison Margiela continues to iterate on Martin Margiela’s original 1989 design. Introducing lush textiles like burgundy velvet softens the severe split-toe construction. It bridges the gap between costume and modern streetwear.
This highly specific material choice instantly elevates the humble walking shoe.
Red velvet absorbs light beautifully. It creates a rich visual depth that flat leather simply cannot achieve. Against the faded wash of her baggy blue jeans, the saturated burgundy color provided a necessary visual anchor.
It is crucial to compare this street style moment to her official press appearances. Yesterday she attended a promotional event for The Odyssey. She wore an ivory Khaite Resort 2027 Marylore dress with a plunging neckline and a black Circo belt. Her shoes were strappy Christian Louboutin gladiator sandals. The duality between her polished persona and her gritty downtown style is striking.
She understands the distinct stylistic language of different environments.
Law Roach and Zendaya understand the power of high-low dressing. A basic ribbed tank top suddenly feels elevated when paired with archival-inspired footwear. The Margiela Tabi remains the ultimate insider flex for the fashion literate.
The market for luxury ballet flats has seen a massive resurgence over the last year. Consumers are shifting away from aggressive platforms in favor of grounded silhouettes. Margiela has capitalized on this by releasing the Tabi in unexpected fabrications like satin and velvet. Zendaya opting for this specific pair will undoubtedly trigger a massive spike in global search traffic for the controversial footwear shape.
The distinctive hoof-like silhouette is clearly no longer strictly reserved for the avant-garde set.
It has officially entered the mainstream luxury lexicon. Zendaya possesses a unique ability to normalize the experimental. If anyone can convince the general public to wear velvet split-toe shoes in ninety-degree weather, it is absolutely her.
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes was Zendaya wearing in New York City?
Zendaya wore a pair of burgundy red velvet Maison Margiela Tabi flats. These are controversial split-toe ballet flats inspired by traditional Japanese footwear.
How much do Zendaya's red velvet Maison Margiela Tabis cost?
The specific pair of velvet Maison Margiela Tabi ballet flats worn by Zendaya retails for $1,250.
What bag did Zendaya pair with her casual Tribeca outfit?
She carried a Louis Vuitton City Steamer Soft MM bag crafted from soft cream leather. She personalized the handbag by tying a paisley satin scarf around its top handle.
Who styled Zendaya for her recent press tours?
Zendaya was styled by her longtime collaborator Law Roach. He has been orchestrating her method dressing looks for both of her concurrent movie press tours.
What engagement ring does Zendaya wear?
Zendaya wears an east-west cushion cut diamond engagement ring. It was given to her by her husband and Spider-Man co-star Tom Holland.
What movies is Zendaya currently promoting in 2026?
She is simultaneously promoting two major films on international press tours. The movies are The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day.
