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The Zendaya Challengers Outfits: The Stylish looks of Tennis and Fashion Prodigy Tashi Duncan

Don’t let Italian film director Luca Guadagnino fool you into believing that his latest movie Challengers is just a simple tennis movie. This is before anything else a steamy, love-triangle that quite simply just uses the world famous racquet sport for its sleek and sexy competitive tension. With all three of the movie’s leads worthy of the praise they have been receiving. Yet it comes as little surprise that the stylish and fashionable Zendaya, is drawing attention for more than just her star making turn as Tashi Duncan. Especially when the Zendaya Challengers outfits are such a tour de force of power dressing and seduction, that they might even rival the stars own glamorous Press Tour wardrobe.     

The official trailer for Challengers, starring Zendaya in the leading role.

The Prodigy: Tashi Duncan’s Tennis Wardrobe in Challengers

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Don’t be fooled by all the tennis and athletic wear, Challengers edges more towards a steamy romance, than a sports movie. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Once a competitive and ambitious tennis prodigy in her own right, Tashi Duncan has to find a new way to make a mark on her beloved sport when a career ending injury sidelines her. Pouring her energy instead into the coaching of her one-time champion husband, who needs more than a lucky break to end his losing streak. 

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It’s not hard to see that Challengers writer, Justin Kuritzkes, took inspiration for Tashi from the Williams sisters, two of the sport’s biggest prodigies.
Adidas White Tennis Y-Dress worn by Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in Challengers.
Adidas White Tennis Y-Dress worn by Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in Challengers.

Written, no doubt on purpose with more than a subtle hint of the Williams sisters determination and style, it is no surprise then that Tashi’s wardrobe is initially full of Adidas tank tops, shorts and tennis skirts. With star Zendaya, who spent 3 months training with a professional coach, looking every inch the tennis wonder in her white Adidas Y-dress as she puts on a sporting masterclass. 

Zendaya’s Blue Strapless Cocktail Dress as Tashi Duncan

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Tashi could never have known how much that night of partying and impromptu beach chat would change the lives of the three young up-and-coming tennis stars. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

It might have been Tashi’s tennis skills and prodigy status on and off the court that first drew best friends Art and Patrick (played by Mike Faist and Josh O’Connor, respectively) into her world. Yet it was the Zendaya Challengers outfits that really sealed the troubled three-way love triangle. Especially the midnight blue cocktail dress, with its strapless neckline, fitted bodice and flared above-the-knee skirt, that flawlessly sparkled on the dancefloor, and would lead to an impromptu invitation to come to room 206…     

Art and Patrick extend an unusual invitation to Tashi when asking for her number.

 Zendaya, a Pink Velour Hoodie and that Challengers Scene

Tashi could never have known how much that night of partying and impromptu beach chat would change the lives of the three young up-and-coming tennis stars. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Everyone has seen the scene from the trailer, and subsequently spent hours speculating what happens in room 206 between Tashi, her future husband Art and her one time lover Patrick. But what about that 00’s hoodie throwback!

Tashi could never have known how much that night of partying and impromptu beach chat would change the lives of the three young up-and-coming tennis stars. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Not the usual hooded sweater look that we are used to from the actress, who favors an oversized berry red zip front hooded jumper in her role as Rue Bennett in Euphoria. Instead this time her fuschia pink velour hoodie gives Jennifer Check vibes. With the supple fuzzy fabric, and sugary sweet color hinting at the same girl-next-door innocence the demon possessed succubus has. But at least this time around it is just the boy’s friendship that eventually dies. 

Tashi Duncan’s Gray I Told Ya T-shirt in Challengers 

It’s not hard to see that Challengers writer, Justin Kuritzkes, took inspiration for Tashi from the Williams sisters, two of the sport’s biggest prodigies.
Adidas White Tennis Y-Dress worn by Tashi Duncan (Zendaya) in Challengers.

When it came to creating the perfect Zendaya Challengers outfits, it was Northern Irish fashion designer Jonathan Anderson that took on the job. Better known as the founder of JW Anderson, than a costume designer he utilized his well-known technique of reworking vintage fashion to put Tashi in a simple gray “I Told Ya” t-shirt. No doubt a saying that is going to be seen everywhere this summer, Zendaya wasn’t the first style icon to slip on this particular slogan t-shirt. Originally making waves in the 1990’s when John F. Kennedy Jr wore it to play with his dog in the park.   

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A look originally worn by John F. Kennedy Jr in the 1990’s before being revived in Challengers.
Fashion designer Jonathan Anderson talks about creating the looks for the Challengers movie. 

Tashi Duncan’s Grown-Up Curled Bob Haircut

Tashi’s shorter bobbed her along with her wardrobe of sophisticated looks give her a professional and very stylishly mature appearance. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Tashi’s shorter bobbed her along with her wardrobe of sophisticated looks give her a professional and very stylishly mature appearance. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

As the movie’s action switches between the present day and the past, slowly revealing to us as the viewers the backstory of the three tennis stars, we see our lead actress going from long dark curled hair to a more mature bob. Shortened to just below the chin and lightened with a touch of a caramel brown through it, the still curled locks look sleek and professional. Giving Tashi a powerful and grown-up air.   

The Subtle Statement Cashmere Brown Sweater worn by Tashi in Challengers

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With her more grown-up, professional wardrobe Tashi has started to favor a more pared back color palette. With lots of pale, neutral and monochromatic shades. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.
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Even when she adds a darker pant she goes for a softer navy blue.

With a plotline full of steamy trysts, love triangles and competitive tennis one thing we can say for sure is that the Zendaya Challengers outfits are a lot less complicated than the story. 

Yet although her clothes are subtle and understated often in simple neutral and light-toned shades of creams, blues and browns, they make a statement with their luxurious fabrics and flattering silhouettes. Just like Tashi’s simple tan brown cashmere sweater, with its dropped shoulders, crew neckline and oversized fit, that she simply pairs with delicate gold jewelry and navy blue straight leg cropped pants.     

Patrick tries to persuade Tashi to drop her husband and coach him instead. 

Tashi’s Sexy Silk Nightgowns as Seen on Zendaya in

Challengers

With her more grown-up, professional wardrobe Tashi has started to favor a more pared back color palette. With lots of pale, neutral and monochromatic shades. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.
Even when she adds a darker pant she goes for a softer navy blue.

Challengers might be nowhere near as steamy as Netflix’s recent release, Mea Culpa starring Kelly Rowland as leading lady Mea Harper. But with its own drama and romantic turmoil created by the inevitable love-triangle it isn’t all sweet and innocent romance. And neither are Tashi Duncans Challengers outfits. So with her wardrobe full of expensive fabrics, it is no surprise then that she has an array of slinky silk nightgowns in all the colors. Giving the formidable, go-getter a softer, more feminine but equally sexy look.     

Zendaya’s Pale Blue and White Shirt Dress and Luxurious Accessories as Tashi Duncan

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Tashi’s pale blue dress is so light it could almost be mistaken for tennis whites, which was no doubt the point. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

It might seem that the drama of former best friends, and Tashi’s present and past lovers facing off in the come-back match of their careers couldn’t be upstaged. But luckily for us that wasn’t true.

Dressed in a pale blue and white shirt dress, Tashi looks like the perfect tennis wife come coach in her latest Zendaya Challengers outfits. With the sleeves rolled up to reveal white cuffs, the low button neckline hinting at her exposed cleavage and the layers of the full skirt falling perfectly to reveal more than a glimpse of her toned legs. Adding a selection of luxury accessories to finish the look, including a pair of gold Cartier Love bracelets with their eye-watering price tag.  

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Even when it comes to her expensive jewelry Tashi keeps the look understated and classic.
The story of challengers from the director and stars point of view.

The Persol 3287 Sunglasses worn by Tashi Duncan

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Just because Tashi loves Art, and wants to see him succeed, doesn’t change the fact that she knows it should have been her out there winning the big tournaments. Challengers, Warner Bros. Pictures.

As a powerful style icon, and professional working woman, just like the formidable force of nature that is The Gentlemen’s Susie Glass, Tashi Duncan knows that the quickest way to add some extra style to any outfit is a pair of designer sunglasses. This time opting for the Persol 3287 glasses with their large dark frames, matching dark lenses and famous silver arrow hinges, to hide her disappointment at watching her husband compete in the sport she should be the reigning champion of.   

If you asked the director he would tell you that Challengers might revolve around the careers of our three tennis stars, but that really the sports romance movie is actually about life and love. But then again if you asked us here at Elemental Spot we might just say the movie is about the stylish, sleek and powerful looks that make up the Zendaya Challengers outfits. With 00’s throwbacks, as well as her fashionable journey from a sweet yet not so innocent tennis prodigy to the quietly luxurious formidable coach and wife, it’s hard not to be drawn into Tashi Duncan’s stylish world.   

MOVIE:Challengers
DIRECTED BY:Luca Guadagnino