Zendaya on Her Affordable Clothing Line for Sizes 0-22 (2024)

ICYMI, 20-year-old Zendaya (yes, one name, like Cher) has a seriously stellar shoe line, Daya by Zendaya, that launched last August. Now, the multitalented star is back with a clothing collection under the same label. But don't think it's just like any other celebrity fashion line. Daya by Zendaya is seriously for everyone. Though it's technically sized for women, most items are unisex. Plus, the entire collection retails for less than $160 and comes in sizes 0-22. How many celebrity lines can say all of that?

I caught up with Zendaya at the New York City pop-up launch of the collection, where she was showing off her exciting new baby, while wearing a casual-cool outfit from the line. In addition to New York, she'll be making appearances at pop-ups in Chicago and Los Angeles this weekend. If you can't make it to one of those cities to shop the line, it's all available online today.

What's Inside a Celebrity Makeup Artist's Kit:

Why was inclusivity so important to you? That was something that was a no-brainer, a deal-breaker, something that had to happen for me. I can’t just talk the talk. I can’t just say all this stuff about inclusivity and loving people and you know, breaking barriers, and then actually not do it when it comes down to my own stuff. That’s fake. I wanted people to have quality pieces that were realistic [when it comes to price]. If you’re a college student, you're not going to be able to buy a $500 jacket. It doesn’t make sense.

Sizing was a huge thing. I want my mom to be able to wear my clothes. I want my older sister to be able to wear my clothes. There are too many shapes and sizes in my family to say, oh, you can’t wear that, though. That’s not even something that would cross my mind to do. I want everyone to feel included—like this is for them. I made sure in my e-commerce photos that there were thick girls in there. It should feel normal.

Also, with the gender-neutral pieces, it’s about people being able to wear what they want and do whatever they want. There are things that are technically made for women, but that doesn’t mean a woman has to wear it. It’s about wearing things that make you feel good.

Were you inspired by any designers? I’m inspired more by people. Law [Roach, her longtime stylist] and I are always looking at people because that’s who this is for. This isn’t for me. I’m not designing clothes so I can go wear them. It’s for them; it’s what they ask for. I just went to Capri with Dolce & Gabbana, and what Domenico [Dolce] told me, which is what I’ve been preaching, is: It’s for the people. What you do is for the people. It’s not about you. That’s the driving force.

You have shoes and clothes. How else do you see your brand expanding? When I think of a brand I would like to have in the future, I think of Oprah because she’s able to do everything. And she's able to keep it so positive. What Oprah says is trusted. If she says it's the best latte, it’s the best latte. It’s a trusted brand. There’s also a level of empowerment and goodness. Everyone feels like they’re related to Oprah.

Why launch a collection only online and not in a department store? Most people order stuff online. My mom orders stuff online. It’s the new wave. And I just feel like it's easier. But now, seeing this, I feel like I need a store. The pop-up looks so dope.

You wear a lot of loose clothing. Are those the pieces that make you feel most confident? I don’t really know what makes me feel most confident. I’ve gotten to a point where I feel good in anything. I would show up today in pajamas and I wouldn’t give a dang at all. In most of my videos on my app, I’m not wearing makeup because I don’t need to do that. But there are times when I want to beat my face down and be all glamorous and that’s also exciting.

What are some of your favorite items in the line? There's a velvet jumpsuit that I love. It’s so comfortable it’s like wearing a onesie that you can go to dinner in and look presentable and still be comfortable. [I love that there are] different layers of who I am in the clothes. You’ve got the glam, you’ve got the toned-down, you’ve got the rough, you’ve got the tough—it’s everything.

Could a beauty line be next? Obviously I’m with CoverGirl, which is a great partnership. But hopefully one day I can do my own line.

Switching gears a bit, is there a particular issue in this upcoming election that you’re passionate about? If there’s a time to vote, it’s now. We’re in a very pivotal time in our history. This is going to be your country for a long time and who do you want representing you? Be educated and try to inform other people. We’re dealing with a lot of issues right now. Big issues. We’re dealing with a specific, giant issue. But I think [we'll] be good as long as people go out there and vote.

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