Zendaya Takes On “Zone Dreamers”: A Retro-Futuristic Space Adventure
Who says space travel is limited to rocket ships? Zendaya @zendaya might not have boarded a real-life launch like Katy Perry’s Blue Origin flight, but she’s absolutely blasting off—in a fictional sense—for On @on. The Swiss running brand just unveiled its newest campaign, “Zone Dreamers,” starring the Dune actress on a cosmic odyssey that merges fitness, friendship, and a dash of ‘60s sci-fi flair.
But that’s not all: Zendaya used this opportunity to debut yet another epic hair transformation. For the film trailer, she rocked a retro pixie cut featuring spiky bangs and cool face-framing layers. Goodbye long waves; hello edgy, interstellar style!
Below, let’s break down everything you need to know about On, the star-studded creative team, and why Zendaya’s new ‘do is turning heads—way beyond Earth’s orbit.
Meet On: The Swiss Brand Redefining Running
If you haven’t heard of On, consider this is as your official introduction. The company was founded in 2010 by three Swiss sports enthusiasts, Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti, with the basic idea that running shoes should be more comfortable and provide a more easy stride. On’s signature feature is its CloudTec® outsole, known for soft landings and explosive take-offs. Think of it as a mini-trampoline for your feet.
Over the past decade, On has expanded from purely performance-focused sneakers into lifestyle footwear, apparel, and, yes, star-powered campaigns. Endorsed by elite athletes and admired by casual runners all over the world, the label’s popularity comes from the right combination of Swiss engineering with an elegant, contemporary look. With an advocate like Zendaya, On is primed to gain even more traction—particularly among fashion-forward followers who can’t resist a good style twist.
Zendaya: From Disney to Dune (and Beyond)
A Hollywood darling with a massive social media following, Zendaya has come a long way since her Disney Channel days. At just 26, she’s accumulated a résumé most actors twice her age would dream of:
- Breakthrough Role: Her TV start as Rocky Blue on “Shake It Up” established Zendaya as a tween idol, but she quickly outgrew the bubblegum image.
- Blockbuster Status: Her role in Marvel’s “Spider-Man” movie opposite Tom Holland increased her mainstream recognition. She also appeared in HBO’s “Euphoria,” winning an Emmy for the role of a troubled youngster named Rue.
- Fashion Icon: Whether she’s gracing red carpets or posting OOTDs, Zendaya is practically a style chameleon. One day, she’ll wear a classic gown; the next, she’ll step out in an avant-garde ensemble that leaves everyone talking.
- Hair Transformations: She’s no stranger to bold cuts and colors—remember her mesmerizing bob or those luscious, waist-length curls? Now, for this On campaign, she’s embracing a retro pixie with spiky bangs. If you need hair inspo, she’s your girl.
When she’s not acting or pushing style boundaries, Zendaya uses her platform to advocate for inclusivity and mental health awareness. So, it’s no surprise that On tapped her for a campaign highlighting courage, trust, and stepping outside comfort zones—she’s basically the poster child for trying something new and owning it.
“Zone Dreamers”: Bringing Outer Space to the Runway
We all love a good short film—and On delivered with “Zone Dreamers,” a fictional trailer so stylish you’ll forget it’s an ad. Directed by visual artist Nadia Lee Cohen, known for her surreal, retro-infused aesthetic, the teaser sets up Zendaya as an otherworldly protagonist on a cosmic mission. She’s accompanied by a fearless crew who move, train, and explore unknown planets with what appears to be unwavering confidence.
The Cosmic Wardrobe
The most eye-popping elements of “Zone Dreamers” are definitely the custom spacesuits. Styled by Zendaya’s longtime fashion partner-in-crime, Law Roach, and in collaboration with avant-garde jewelry designer Chris Habana, these suits mix retro influences—like bubble helmets, padded shoulders, and bright metallics—with a futuristic vibe. Think “Jetsons meets Tron,” but with an Instagrammable, high-fashion twist.
Why This Campaign Feels Different
It’s not your usual sports brand commercial, where everyone’s jogging through scenic trails or high-fiving on a basketball court. Instead, On is using a playful sci-fi narrative to highlight themes like teamwork and pushing limits. Given Zendaya’s star power, plus a creative team known for edgy aesthetics, it’s a move that stands out in a sea of typical running-shoe ads. It’s also refreshingly unexpected: runners in space? Count us in.
Zendaya’s New Pixie: The Hair Evolution Continues
If you follow Zendaya’s style journey, you know she’s not afraid to experiment. In “Zone Dreamers,” she sports a retro pixie cut with face-framing layers that remind you of a vintage mod star from the swinging ’60s, but with an extra spike of attitude. Rumor has it she showed up on set with her usual luscious locks, and Roach suggested going cosmic with the short wig. The result is part edgy, part nostalgic, and totally on-brand for a fictional space traveler seeking uncharted territory.
The message? Don’t be afraid of change. It’s a perfect match for a campaign about leaving your comfort zone behind—because if you can’t rock a pixie in outer space, where can you?
My Take: A Winning Orbit
As someone who geeks out on both style and storytelling, I love seeing brands push the envelope with imaginative campaigns. Sure, Katy Perry taking an actual space flight is next-level, but Zendaya’s fictional journey is equally mesmerizing in a different way. It marries fashion, sports, and science fiction into a single narrative that leaves you wanting more—like a trailer for a full-length film that might never exist, but still feels so real you’d buy tickets.
Zendaya’s readiness to transform (in this case, via a spiky pixie cut) and On’s boundary-challenging approach to sportswear seem like a match made in marketing heaven. If the brand’s goal was to broaden its audience and excite longtime fans, mission accomplished.
All that’s left to say: We can’t wait for the sequel—maybe a galactic runway show next?
In ‘Zone Dreamers,’ teamwork and a good pair of sneakers conquer any planet.
