In 1987, designer Willi Smith drew a series of colorful looks for Spider-Man character Mary Jane Watson in Marvel’s comic books, ranging from a wedding gown to cutout looks for a paper doll of the character. (Smith was even drawn into the comic for a brief cameo in 1987.) Nearly four decades later, Law Roach tapped LaQuan Smith to reimagine that fashion history for Zendaya—bringing one of those illustrated looks to life on the star during her Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour.

“In 1987 Willi Smith created looks for MJ from the @spiderman comic books. In 2026 almost 40 years later, I asked @laquan_smith to recreate one of those looks for Zendaya. There’s always a second dress,” Roach wrote on Instagram.

For the occasion, LaQuan created a custom gown inspired by a striped look from the original paper doll sketch, transforming the archival reference through his signature lens. The creation has a black-and-white striped design featuring a halter neckline and plunging V-front, while a dramatic red satin hem ruffle adds a bold pop of color and movement. Naturally, Zendaya finished the look with her signature white Christian Louboutin So Kate pumps, proving once again that the smallest styling details can make a major statement.

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“A tribute to the past. An homage to Willi Smith. Reimagined through the LaQuan Smith lens,” the designer wrote on Instagram, perfectly capturing the intention behind the look.

Smith, who garnered acclaim in the ’70s and ’80s for his work, was behind WilliWear. It was the first clothing label to design womenswear and menswear together under one name and to make those designs not just chic but affordable. For a man who dressed the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and designed the homecoming court gowns seen in Spike Lee’s School Daze, Smith also brought high fashion to everyday people, offering accessibility at a time when such designs were thought to only be for the elite.

As for Zendaya and Law Roach: They know exactly who to tap when a fashion moment calls for impact. The duo has consistently used the red carpet as a platform to spotlight Black designers and iconic moments in fashion history, and this latest collaboration is no exception. By choosing LaQuan Smith to reinterpret a piece imagined by Willi Smith, they’re not simply referencing the past—they’re continuing a legacy of Black fashion excellence.

Known for his figure-hugging silhouettes and unapologetically sensual designs, LaQuan Smith understands how to make a woman feel powerful in her clothes. Here, he takes a historic reference and makes it unmistakably modern, giving Zendaya a gown that honors where fashion has been while confidently looking toward where it’s going.