Consider her "It" girl status cemented! Zendaya covers Complex , nuzzling up to a heavily made up yet naked mannequin whose breast is exposed. Even though one of her cover co-stars is daring to bare, it's all about Zendaya, who is nabbing covers left and right, further cementing her status as an "It" girl. Don't snooze on her four Hunger covers, where she showed off her ability to do a bunch fashion 180s and to slay each of them.
2016 is shaping up to be Zendaya's year.
First, let's dive into her Complex cover. The singer, actress, and fashion trendsetter isn't looking at the camera. Instead, she is looking off to the side, her eyes darkly rimmed. She is rocking natural, defined, and tight curls, which frame her stunning face. You'll notice that Zendaya is rocking a stiletto manicure, with her nails filed to a sharp (and possibly dangerous) point. It's a fierce mani, painted a peachy gold shade, which helps to soften the shape a tad.
My interpretation of the cover is this. Zendaya is surrounded by many peers, but she is the one who stands out and comes to life most vividly and most vibrantly. In a cookie cutter celeb universe, it's Zendaya who is the realest of the real.
Once again, Zendaya is a style shapeshifter, changing up her look to fantastic results.
It's fitting that Zendaya, who was recently the face of Madonna's Material Girl line, covers the "Women of Next Year" issue. Why do I think she is really going to further her status as an "It" girl in 2015?
1. She Is Undeterred
Remember the grace and class with which she handled those comments about the dreadlocks she wore —amazingly so!— to the Oscars? She did not stoke the fires at every turn; she put them out. She could have milked it for all the PR it was worth. Instead, she was a total class act about it.
2. She's Fun
Her photo shoots and covers always have a fun, vivacious vibe. She has such magnetism and keeps fans, both casual and diehard, curious about her next moves.
3. She Reinvented The Bun
An "It" girl starts trends. She creates them. Zendaya pretty much modernized and reinvented the bun with her variety of topknots!
4. She Is A Fashion Risk Taker
Zendaya is not afraid to try any look. She experiments and is fearless. One day, she is leggy in a lacy pink mini.
The next, she offers her take on menswear.
5. She Is A Body Positive Role Model
She spoke out against those retouched photos for her Modiste cover, noting that unrealistic ideals and standards place too much pressure on girls. What a girl boss indeed!
I expect to see a lot more of Zendaya in 2016.
Image: Complex (1)
