Debate Over Ancient Iranian Jewelry Worn by Zendaya to ‘Odyssey’ Event

Key Points:

• Zendaya and her stylist Law Roach are known for their bold fashion choices, including wearing a silver robot suit from Thierry Mugler’s 1995 collection and a cream Schiaparelli gown resembling a marble sculpture.
• Recently, Zendaya wore gold disc earrings made from ancient Iranian artifacts while promoting "The Odyssey," sparking debate about the ethics of using ancient cultural items in fashion.
• Archaeologists and critics expressed concerns that repurposing such artifacts can be disrespectful, fetishize the past, and potentially encourage the antiquities black market, especially if the items were acquired through looting or colonial plunder.
• The earrings worn by Zendaya were identified by Barron London, a gallery specializing in rare jewels, as Ziwiye gold medallion plaques from the first millennium B.C., later mounted with diamonds by jeweler Glenn Spiro.
• Zendaya’s recent fashion choices continue to blend historical and contemporary elements, but they also raise important questions about cultural preservation and ethical sourcing in the fashion industry.