Although the work Law Roach is doing with Zendaya is being highly praised, the truth is that it has not been without controversy. Every success also has its negative side, and this is what has happened with one of the latest styling looks created by the stylist for the actress. Yes, Zendaya has become the true queen of method dressing, a way of communicating through fashion with a narrative discourse coherent with the kind of work she is doing today. However, one of her latest appearances has not been as applauded as expected.
If with the new installment of Spider-Man the actress swept across events and red carpets, Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey could not be less. For this new film, in which she plays Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, Zendaya has opted to wear mythologically inspired outfits, in which white, ethereal silhouettes and elegance have been the absolute protagonists. In fact, the work she is doing with her stylist has generated enormous anticipation for these outfits, which has been greatly exceeded.
However, as we said, in addition to the applause, Zendaya has also been criticized for the use of a piece that has not pleased archaeologists at all. It was during a presentation in the United Kingdom when she chose a white dress made to measure by Jacquemus, with a halter neckline and a draped design that suited her wonderfully.
She paired the dress with a matching headscarf and earrings that, without a doubt, drew all eyes. And no, this time it wasn’t for how large they were or for the message they hid behind regarding the new film. This time it was for their origin.
The infamous look of Zendaya.
They are gold medallions by Glenn Spiro dating from approximately the first millennium BCE. In other words, they are jewels nearly 3,000 years old that presently belong to the Baron London firm. They are not for sale; they are part of the brand’s private collection and come from Iran, according to archaeologist Annelise Baer.
Experts explain that these could be objects that formed part of a much larger decorative element and that have sparked a major controversy by questioning whether it is appropriate to use artefacts of incalculable historical and patrimonial value on a red carpet. They consider that these are objects that should be preserved in museums or even allocated to research, and not used as a complement to a styling for a particular moment.
The earrings are part of the Old World Collection by London jeweler Glenn Spiro, who uses real artefacts from the Middle East, North Africa, and West Africa.
Baron London maintains that the medallions are held in place by a simple, non-invasive setting designed not to alter or damage the original piece. Moreover, the firm argues that this kind of design can help publicize Iran’s artistic and cultural legacy and open a debate about heritage conservation. Indeed, according to proponents of using such accessories, it is a way to bring these pieces closer to the general public without modifying the originals.
Something with which Dr. Z The Archaeologist disagrees. “It is very likely that these artifacts have been looted from Iran and are now adorning the ears of an American actress from a country that has just bombarded Iran.” And indeed, the debate does not revolve solely around Zendaya, but around the origin and provenance of the pieces.
As far as has been made public, there is no resolution proving that the earrings used originated from illegal looting. The controversy arises because heritage specialists question the advisability of displaying and marketing archaeological objects of this kind, even if their possession may be legal, since they argue that it could incentivize the antiquities market and create problems for heritage conservation.
“The objective of these earrings is not to showcase the true artistic value of the ancient world. What they do is fetishize the past, turning it into a luxury object stolen for the elites and circulating cultural goods illegally and immorally. Well-made replicas would seem wonderful to me, but that is not the purpose of this styling. This is about conveying social status,” she states.
Ruth, an Art Historian and online influencer, has supported the archaeologist’s view: “Looting of archaeological objects brings brutal consequences, since when they are removed, archaeological sites are often destroyed and do not allow for later study. Not to mention, of course, the attack on the identity of the people from whom they are stolen. If only it would dawn on us that heritage is the basis of our social identity.”
