Zendaya will receive the 2021 recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Icon award, making her the youngest recipient to date. She will join previous winners including  Rihanna, Beyoncé, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez, and more and she is scheduled to accept the award on Nov. 10. 

During the CFDA Awards, critical and outstanding contributions made to American fashion by people globally will be recognized. The CFDA Fashion Awards Guild is made of top fashion retailers, journalists, stylists, influencers, and the more than 500 member designers of the CFDA, who submit nominations for each award category. The CFDA Board of Directors approves the nominations, as well as recipients of the honorary awards.

As a 25-year-old, Zendaya has always been vocal about the crucial importance of inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry. Daya by Zendaya was the clothing line that she launched in 2016, and it was designed to cross gender lines and came in a wide variety of sizes and affordable pricing. She has also worn pieces from various infamous designers such as Vera Wang, Balmain and she has supported rising fashion designers as well. She has also launched her very own collection with Tommy Hilfiger back in 2019, called the Tommy x Zendaya capsule collection. 

“Zendaya has always inspired me to be a better person, especially with her outfits,” said junior Emiie Conner. 

Some of her most iconic looks have heavily contributed to her receiving this award, including her most recent looks to events related to her new movie, Dune. She has always played around with bold styles that stun everyone who sees her and her daring outfits always receive positive feedback. Her stylist, Law Roach, is the main person to thank for this achievement. He stated that they have been working with more mature looks, and looks that will be memorable and keep people talking. He also stated that Zendaya is courageous when it comes to fashion. There is nothing she won’t try and she embraces whatever you put her in and there is no one thing that defines her. 

“I have always looked up to Zendaya and her outfits inspire me to step out of my comfort zone,” said junior Grace Titizian.

By being the youngest person to receive this award, Zendaya poses herself as a role model to young girls throughout the world. Fans anticipate her look for the CFDA Fashion Awards and tune in on Nov. 10 to hear her acceptance speech.

Photo courtesy of WIKIMEDIA COMMONS