Editor’s Note
Zendaya’s choice of 3,000-year-old Iranian gold earrings for *The Odyssey* press tour has ignited a cultural and political debate, underscoring how fashion can become a flashpoint for deeper global conversations.
Zendaya’s latest press tour look for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” has sparked a debate that goes far beyond fashion. During a London photocall for the movie on July 5, the actress wore a flowing white Jacquemus dress paired with striking gold earrings unlike anything seen on a modern red carpet. It was later revealed that the earrings featured Iranian gold medallions dating back nearly 3,000 years, and the discovery quickly divided the internet.
The earrings were created by London jeweler Glenn Spiro using gold discs from the famous Ziwiye hoard, a collection of artifacts from the Median period dating back to the 7th century BC, per CNN. The treasure was discovered in northwestern Iran in the late 1940s and is considered an important part of the country’s cultural history. For the earrings, the ancient medallions were placed in an 18K yellow gold setting surrounded by diamonds, including a 62-carat Colombian emerald and gold from the West African Baoulé tribe, per Only Natural Diamonds.
Barron London, the jewelry company that later acquired the pieces, stressed that the medallions were held in a “simple noninvasive” claw setting so the original artifacts were not altered or damaged. The company also said it hoped the earrings would remind people of Iran’s rich artistic and cultural history, especially at a time when the country is often discussed only in relation to current events.
As photos from the London event spread online, many people questioned whether historical objects should be turned into luxury accessories. Some detractors argued that artifacts thousands of years old belong in museums rather than celebrity wardrobes.
Another criticized the entire styling decision, adding:
Others connected the debate to broader conversations about cultural heritage and ownership.
However, not everyone focused solely on the earrings. Zendaya’s white dress also received mixed reviews.
Some also criticised what they saw as excessive luxury surrounding the press tour.
While critics questioned the decision, many others thought the earrings were a brilliant way to connect history with fashion. Supporters praised Zendaya and stylist Law Roach for creating a look that matched the themes of “The Odyssey,” which is based on Homer’s ancient Greek epic.
Others believed wearing the artifacts helped introduce more people to ancient history, with one saying, “She should be the face of history.”