Zendaya Wears Archival Dress Once Worn by Whitney Houston

Zendaya attended the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards in Los Angeles in a white dress, continuing her recent series of white outfits.

Styled by her longtime stylist Law Roach, Zendaya wore a white vintage Caché dress inspired by a design with sculpted ruching gathered toward one side of the gown. The design included a slanted neckline and one-shoulder. The most notable detail of the piece was its oversized hibiscus appliqué positioned along the neckline, with layered petals and metallic leaves.

Photo: Getty Images

The floral appliqué extended down the ruched side of the dress. She paired the dress with white Christian Louboutin pumps and minimal jewelry, including a single gold Cartier bracelet. Stylist Roach shared a video of the actress on the red carpet, captioning it: “An iconic piece of fashion history at ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards.”

Whitney Houston in a 1987 promotional photoshoot: Getty Images

The dress was originally made by designer Eugene Stutzman, who also worked under the name Eugene Alexander. The piece gained attention when Whitney Houston wore it in a 1987 promotional photoshoot. Her version featured two large blossoms along the neckline. The image was later used on a cover of Life magazine.

Sarah Jessica Parker in her role as Carrie Bradshaw for the first Sex and the City: Getty Images

The dress returned to the public eye when costume designer Patricia Field reimagined a modified Caché version of the design for Sarah Jessica Parker in her role as Carrie Bradshaw for the first Sex and the City movie, reducing the floral detail to a single bloom. Zendaya wore a vintage Caché version of the design at the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards.

Photo: Getty Images

Zendaya previously wore an all-white look at the Louis Vuitton show on March 10, with a thin gold band on her left ring finger and no engagement ring. The same band was seen earlier on March 5 in promo photos for her upcoming film, “The Drama,” with Robert Pattinson. While the gold band and her recent white outfits hint that the rumors may be true, the actress has yet to confirm them.