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Zendaya Wears Iconic 'Sex and the City' Dress with Whitney Houston Backstory
The famous flower dress that Zendaya wore has a connection to the 2008 film and the late singer.
Mar. 12, 2026 at 8:36pm
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Zendaya made a statement at the 2026 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards by wearing a vintage one-shouldered Cachè flower dress that was previously worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the opening sequence of the 2008 Sex and the City movie. The iconic look, costume designed by Patricia Field, has now had two major celebrity moments, with the dress also having a backstory tied to the late Whitney Houston.
Why it matters
Zendaya's choice to wear this vintage dress highlights her fashion influence and ability to bring renewed attention to iconic pop culture moments. The dress's connection to both Sex and the City and Whitney Houston also speaks to its enduring legacy and cultural significance.
The details
Zendaya accessorized the white frock with gold embroidery with Cartier jewels. The dress was originally worn by Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw in the opening sequence of the 2008 Sex and the City movie, where it became one of the most memorable outfits from the film. However, the dress has an even bigger backstory, as it was previously worn by the late Whitney Houston.
- In 2008, the dress was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the opening sequence of the Sex and the City movie.
- In 2026, Zendaya wore the vintage dress to the Essence Black Women in Hollywood Awards.
The players
Zendaya
An American actress and singer who is known for her fashion influence and ability to bring renewed attention to iconic pop culture moments.
Sarah Jessica Parker
An American actress who played the role of Carrie Bradshaw in the Sex and the City TV series and movies, and wore the iconic flower dress in the 2008 film's opening sequence.
Patricia Field
An American costume designer who designed the iconic flower dress worn by Sarah Jessica Parker in the Sex and the City movie.
Whitney Houston
The late American singer and actress who previously wore the flower dress before it appeared in the Sex and the City movie.
The takeaway
This story showcases how fashion can transcend time and have a lasting impact, with Zendaya's wearing of the iconic flower dress connecting it to both the Sex and the City franchise and the late Whitney Houston's legacy.
