When TikTok creator Zainab Jiwa stepped onto the red carpet at the London premiere of the blockbuster film The Odyssey, she had no idea that her presence would cause a stir among Hollywood’s elite. But it wasn’t just the film that made headlines — it was the moment when Zendaya, one of the biggest stars in the world, stopped in her tracks and openly admired Zainab’s striking gold gown. The viral encounter has since sparked conversations about the evolving landscape of celebrity culture and fashion inclusivity on the red carpet.
From Harrow to Hollywood: A New Kind of Red Carpet Star
Zainab Jiwa, a 29-year-old content creator from Harrow, northwest London, embodies a fresh wave of influencers who are redefining what it means to be a red carpet presence. Unlike traditional celebrities groomed by studios and PR teams, Zainab’s rise has been fueled by her authentic passion for fashion and film, shared through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Her journey began with humble “get-ready-with-me” videos, capturing relatable moments such as struggling into a corset while still living at home. But her flair for dramatic, culturally rich outfits quickly caught the eye of major studios, including Disney, which invited her to interview stars of the series Moon Knight. Today, she regularly interviews A-listers such as Denzel Washington, Paul Mescal, and Zendaya herself, all while showcasing bold, thematic outfits that pay homage to the films she loves.
Breaking the Mold: Modest Fashion Meets High Glamour
What sets Zainab apart is not just her celebrity encounters, but how she navigates the often rigid world of red carpet fashion while adhering to her values as a Muslim woman who wears a hijab. Her approach—playfully dubbed “halalifying” her looks—demonstrates that modesty and high fashion are not mutually exclusive.
Her outfits are carefully crafted to incorporate cultural elements and modest wear without sacrificing the drama and style expected on a red carpet. For the House of the Dragon season two premiere, she wore a red gown designed by a student featuring three faces wearing hijabs, making a powerful statement about representation. For the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere, she added spiderweb henna to her ensemble, blending traditional art with pop culture.
This fusion of modesty and creativity challenges the fashion industry’s often narrow definitions of glamour and opens the door for more diverse expressions of identity on global stages.
The Power of Digital Influence in Hollywood’s Ecosystem
Zainab’s viral moment with Zendaya—garnering over 19 million views on TikTok—underscores how digital creators are becoming indispensable players in Hollywood’s promotional machinery. Studios increasingly recognize that influencers like Zainab bring fresh perspectives and connect with audiences in ways traditional media cannot.
Her ability to “break the ice” with stars through her bold outfits and genuine enthusiasm has helped her carve out a unique niche. Yet, the path isn’t always smooth. Last-minute invites to premieres often mean frantic outfit preparations, sometimes relying on public transport while dressed in elaborate costumes. Despite the challenges, Zainab’s commitment to her craft and her growing follower base—over 660,000 on TikTok and nearly 400,000 on Instagram—signal a shift in how celebrity and fandom intersect.
Balancing Fame and Family Life in a Chaotic Home
Behind the glitz and glamour lies a more grounded reality. Zainab’s home life in Harrow is a far cry from the red carpet’s polished veneer. She shares a lively household filled with siblings, a cat, and parents who have grown to embrace her unconventional career path despite initial reservations.
Storage space is limited, and her elaborate outfits often end up “shoved somewhere,” a humorous reminder that even rising stars face everyday challenges. This contrast adds a relatable dimension to her story, showing that success doesn’t always mean leaving behind one’s roots.
Facing Criticism and Inspiring a New Generation
As with many public figures, Zainab faces her share of criticism, including from those who question whether her outfits meet certain modesty standards. However, she remains undeterred, focusing on the positive impact her work has on fans and followers.
“If I’m doing it to inspire, entertain, or educate people, then I really don’t care about the rest,” she says.
Her presence on the red carpet is not just about fashion or fame but about representation and breaking barriers. By blending cultural heritage with contemporary style, she is helping to broaden the definition of who belongs in Hollywood’s spotlight.
As the summer blockbuster season continues with highly anticipated releases like Dune and Doomsday, Zainab Jiwa remains a passionate fan and a rising star in her own right. Her story is a testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and the democratizing influence of digital media in reshaping the entertainment industry.
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