Met Gala Co-host Zendaya Criticized for 'Not Flattering' 3rd Look despite 1st & 2nd Leaving Fans Speechless
Zendaya faced unexpected criticism for her makeup look during her role as co-host at the Met Gala. Critics expressed their concerns on social media, particularly highlighting her eyebrows.
Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Zendaya and Chris Hemsworth during The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
On May 6, 2024, Zendaya, alongside Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, and Chris Hemsworth, hosted the highly anticipated Met Gala. Zendaya donned a pastel pink gown that featured a daring deep V-neckline.
The floor-length dress flowed elegantly from her thighs down. Adorned with delicate silver beads, the ensemble complemented her physique while maintaining a simple grace.
Bad Bunny, Zendaya, and Chris Hemsworth during The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Known for seamlessly blending bold choices, she styled her hair in a low bun and accessorized with small dangling earrings. Despite the gown's appeal, Zendaya's makeup choice diverted attention and stirred up the most commentary.
Zendaya during The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Online reactions were predominantly focused on her eyebrows or the lack thereof. Some fans noticed she appeared to have shaved or bleached them, leading to a wave of critique.
Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, Zendaya and Chris Hemsworth during The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
One user remarked, "She looks ill…and I love her but…she looks ill." Others were more direct about the makeup, stating, "Makeup is not flattering" and "It’s all ok. But, her shaved eyebrows look not working out for her."
Zendaya during the 2019 Met Gala celebrating "Camp: Notes on Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2019, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The absence of her usually prominent eyebrows caused further confusion among fans, with some asking, "Where are her eyebrows?" Another exclaimed, "Zendaya dyed her eyebrows blonde!!?!!" A third tweeted, "The no brows is just not working for zendaya."
Despite the criticism, some tried to remain positive about her overall look. "The eyebrows are throwing me off a little bit, but I love the dress," a person claimed.
Zendaya during the 2019 Met Gala Boom Boom Afterparty at The Standard hotel on May 6, 2019 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Despite the mixed reactions to her hosting look at the Met Gala, Zendaya received widespread acclaim for her red carpet looks. This year's theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," was vividly brought to life by the "Spider-Man" actress through her stunning fashion choices.
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Zendaya's first appearance was nothing short of a showstopper. She graced the red carpet in an ocean blue gown designed by Maison Margiela’s John Galliano. The look was completed with a dramatic headpiece by Stephen Jones for Margiela.
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The haute couture ensemble was a masterpiece of design, featuring a sage lamé and organza bias-cut dress. The outfit was layered over a duchesse satin corset. In addition, the gown was adorned with bands of hand-painted metallic crin, iridescent organza, and a hand-embroidered corsage.
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
For her second look, Zendaya delved into the archives of fashion history. She donned a vintage Givenchy couture piece from its Spring 1996 collection. This was one of only two collections designed by Galliano for the house.
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The online community was captivated by these two ensembles. Onlookers took to Twitter to express their admiration. One tweet exclaimed, "Stunning as well. She rocked both outfits perfectly."
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
"Literally can’t take my eyes off Zendaya. Like wowwwww," another exclaimed. The praise continued with another tweet, "i have NO. WORDS. THE WOMAN YOU ARE, ZENDAYA [sic]." A fourth proclaimed, "@Zendaya is the queen of fashion and beauty."
Zendaya during the 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Attending the Met Gala is undoubtedly a nerve-racking experience for Zendaya. This feeling she felt most especially during her first appearance at the age of 18.
Zendaya during the "China: Through The Looking Glass" Costume Institute Benefit Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2015, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Despite her ongoing partnership with her stylist since she was 14, the grandeur and the spectacle of the event were both exciting and daunting. After a hiatus of four to five years from the gala, returning in 2024 felt as thrilling and overwhelming as her initial visit.
Zendaya during the "Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2016, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As a celebrity, praises mixed with criticism is nothing new to Zendaya. Previously, she experienced backlash for her unzipped gown at Paris Fashion Week. Zendaya captured everyone's attention at the Louis Vuitton show, where she looked stunning in a white ensemble.
Her gown hugged her figure gracefully to the floor. The dress also featured a bold gold double zipper detail on the front, partially unzipped down her chest and midriff. This created a high slit showcasing her legs.
Zendaya at the Louis Vuitton Womenswear Spring/Summer 2024 show in Paris, France on October 2, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
As a named ambassador for the Parisian fashion house, Zendaya complemented her look with loose hair. She also accessorized with Bulgari pieces and white heels. Her appearance drew significant attention, with some comparing her dress to Elizabeth Hurley’s iconic 1994 Versace safety-pin dress.
Hurley's outfit remembered for its daring safety-pin design, became a legendary fashion moment. Although Zendaya's dress sparked a comparison due to its similar leg-revealing feature, opinions varied widely. Some felt the dresses were incomparable, noting differences in style and impact.
Elizabeth Hurley and Hugh Grant photographed together at an event in London, Great Britain in 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Undoubtedly, Zendaya's distinctive style on the red carpet is influenced by her early experiences. In particular, she credited theater as a big influence. She was immersed in theater from a very young age due to her mother's job at the California Shakespeare Theater.
Zendaya during the "Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between" Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Growing up around the theater provided her with a unique perspective on fashion, viewing it not just as a form of attire but as a means of storytelling and expression. The environment became a sanctuary for her, a place filled with creativity and transformation. This is also where she observed the entire process of bringing characters to life through costume.
Zendaya likens her approach to fashion to character creation, a continuation of the creativity seen in her film projects. She views each public appearance and fashion choice as an opportunity to extend the storytelling. It is a particularly important outlet given her self-described introverted and shy personality.