Robert Wun's theatrical 'Childsplay' haute couture collection has attracted renewed attention, with one admirer suggesting Zendaya should wear one of his elaborate creations. The Hong Kong-born, London-based designer presented his Autumn/Winter 2026 collection on 8 July 2026 during Paris Haute Couture Week, showcasing dramatic gowns, sculptural headpieces and oversized accessories inspired by childhood memories and fairy tales.
The collection's imaginative designs have prompted one fashion enthusiast to praise Wun's craftsmanship and single out the actress as an ideal wearer.
Robert Wun's 'Childsplay'
The collection explores the transition from childhood to adulthood through exaggerated silhouettes, intricate embellishments and references to familiar fairy tales. One commenter praised Wun's work, writing: 'He makes masterpieces.' The same person added: 'I would love to see Zendaya in this look.'
Wun drew inspiration from childhood imagination, memories and the darker elements of stories told to children. Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, whose animated films often explore complex emotions through fantastical worlds, also influenced the collection. Rather than simply recreating the innocence of childhood, the designer explored how adults remember and interpret those early experiences.
According to an interview, Wun explained that childhood was its central inspiration, but that he approached the subject from an adult perspective. He said: 'I really used childhood as the anchor.'
The designer explained that he was interested in looking back at childhood from the perspective of an adult who has lost that sense of innocence, giving the collection a more introspective edge beneath its playful imagery.
The runway featured a monumental gown embroidered with colourful, childlike doodles and accompanied by a matching stuffed animal. As the presentation progressed, the designs became increasingly elaborate, with exaggerated tailoring, geometric silhouettes, sculptural headpieces and theatrical accessories. Familiar fairy-tale references, including Cinderella, Snow White and Maleficent, were reimagined through Wun's distinctive couture aesthetic.
Among the most striking creations was an immense white horned creature clutching an equally horned teddy bear, identified as Bambi's mother. The dramatic look brought a darker, more fantastical element to the collection's childhood theme.
The show concluded with a black gown crowned with customised balloons, while milliner Awon Golding collaborated with Wun on seven hats and the foundational structures for 14 sculptural, three-dimensional headpieces.
Why Zendaya Would Suit His Designs
Zendaya has become one of Hollywood's most adventurous red-carpet dressers, regularly embracing experimental silhouettes and theatrical fashion moments. Working with her longtime stylist, Law Roach, the actress has built a reputation for turning major premieres and awards ceremonies into opportunities for fashion storytelling. Wun's designs, with their cinematic references and dramatic proportions, would fit naturally into that wardrobe.
One of her most memorable appearances came at the 2019 Met Gala, when she wore a light-up Cinderella-inspired gown designed by Tommy Hilfiger. Roach accompanied her dressed as a fairy godfather, completing the fairytale-inspired entrance. The appearance demonstrated how the actress and her stylist could use fashion, performance and storytelling to create a memorable red-carpet moment.
She made another striking fashion statement at the London premiere of Dune: Part Two in February 2024, wearing a vintage silver cyborg suit by Thierry Mugler from his Autumn/Winter 1995 collection.
The futuristic ensemble was a dramatic departure from conventional premiere dressing. It also highlighted her willingness to embrace archival fashion and unconventional designs.
Wun has dressed several high-profile celebrities, including Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, Céline Dion and Cate Blanchett. His sculptural approach to couture has helped establish him as a recognised name in the industry. A collaboration with Zendaya would bring together two figures whose fashion choices frequently draw on fantasy, film and theatrical presentation.
The designer graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2012 before founding his London-based label in 2014. He made his Paris haute couture runway debut in January 2023 as a guest member of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode.
