Zendaya Debuts Pixie Cut and Channels ’90s Glamour at the Emmys
At the 2026 Emmy Awards, Zendaya arrived in a glittering Prada dress and a newly cropped pixie cut, a look that paid homage to late‑1990s red‑carpet style. Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas and hairstylist Coree Moreno crafted a glow‑heavy, frosty aesthetic that blended vintage references with contemp…
On Monday night, the 2026 Emmy Awards glittered with star‑struck glamour, but none captured the spotlight quite like Zendaya. The “Euphoria” icon stepped onto the Los Angeles Peacock Theater carpet in a custom Prada gown that glittered with crystal embellishments, a look that instantly evoked the high‑energy, late‑’90s beauty scene. Complementing the dress was a freshly cut pixie, styled by Coree Moreno to give the actress a sharp, modern edge while nodding to classic Hollywood silhouettes.
Red‑Carpet Revival: A 90s Nostalgia Moment
Zendaya’s ensemble was a deliberate throwback to the era when bold, sparkling makeup and daring hairstyles defined celebrity style. The dress, a crystal‑covered masterpiece from Prada, served as the centerpiece for the makeup team’s creative direction. Celebrity makeup artist Ernesto Casillas chose to amplify the dress’s sparkle by layering frosted and satin textures across the face, creating a luminous, almost other‑worldly glow that echoed the era’s penchant for high‑shimmer looks.
Casillas began with a meticulous skincare prep, applying Prada’s Augmented Skin Essence, Cream, and Eye Cream to create a flawless base. He then used the brand’s Reveal Skin Optimizing Foundation in MW55 to even out the complexion, followed by the Blurring + Micro‑Correcting Concealer in MN5 for precise coverage. For color, he layered the Touch Cream‑to‑Powder Blush in Tulip and Cherry, then added a pop of radiance with Light Glowing Highlighting Powder in Pink, Champagne, and Champagne Deep. The final touch was a sweep of Reset Rebalancing Setting Powder to lock the glow without dampening the shine.
Eyes and Lips: The Signature 90s Touch
The eye makeup was the most direct nod to the late‑’90s. Casillas applied Dimensions Holo Nude Eyeshadow in 08 Pansy, a frosty, multidimensional palette that captured the era’s love for glittery, reflective finishes. He paired it with Pradalines Durable Gliding Eye Pencil in Wood for a subtle, natural line, and finished with Pradascope Lash Extending Mascara in Nero to give the lashes volume and definition.
For the lips, he balanced nostalgia with modernity by combining Prada’s Monochrome Soft Matte lipstick in Tiepolo with Reflection Glossy Liquid Balm in Blushware. The result was a lip that hovered between the classic brown‑nude of the 90s and the glossy, glass‑like finish that dominates today’s red‑carpet looks.
Hair: A Modern Pixie with a Rebellious Twist
Coree Moreno’s hairstyling was equally thoughtful. He described the cut as “a classic pixie reimagined through a modern, editorial lens,” adding a subtle rebellion to the otherwise polished look. Using ghd tools, Moreno first shaped the cut with a Speed hair dryer, then sculpted individual pieces with a Sculpt flat iron to create texture and height at the crown. He finished the style by pinching and separating the crown and fringe with fingers, giving the pixie an airy, layered feel that contrasted with the sleekness of the rest of the cut.
Why Zendaya’s Look Matters
Zendaya’s appearance at the 2026 Emmys is more than a fashion statement; it signals a broader cultural shift toward revisiting and reinterpreting past trends. By blending vintage elements with contemporary techniques, she demonstrates how nostalgia can coexist with modern innovation, influencing both fans and industry professionals alike.
What’s Next for Zendaya?
While the Emmy appearance was a highlight, Zendaya’s career continues to evolve. She is slated to release a new music single later this year and is set to star in an upcoming film that explores themes of identity and empowerment. Her recent hair and makeup choices suggest she will keep experimenting with bold, trend‑setting looks that resonate with a diverse audience.
As the entertainment world watches, Zendaya’s 2026 Emmy appearance will likely inspire designers, makeup artists, and hairstylists to revisit the late‑’90s aesthetic, blending it with the sleek, polished sensibilities of today.
Why it matters
Zendaya’s Emmy look showcases how contemporary artists can honor past styles while pushing forward, influencing both fashion trends and cultural conversations about nostalgia and innovation.
Key points
- Zendaya debuted a crystal‑covered Prada gown at the 2026 Emmys
- Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas used a frosty, glitter‑heavy palette echoing late‑90s glam
- Hairstylist Coree Moreno styled a modern pixie cut with textured layers
- The look combined vintage references with current makeup and hair techniques
- Zendaya’s appearance signals a broader trend of revisiting past aesthetics in modern contexts
Frequently asked questions
What brand did Zendaya use for her makeup at the Emmys?
She used Prada Beauty products, including the Augmented Skin line and the Reveal Skin Optimizing Foundation.
Who styled Zendaya’s hair for the event?
Coree Moreno, a renowned hairstylist, crafted her pixie cut.
How did the makeup reflect 90s style?
The use of frosty eyeshadows, glossy lips, and crystal accents evoked the era’s signature look.
