Game, set, match. For the UK premiere of Challengers, our May cover star Zendaya continued her unrelenting red carpet-winning streak with a high-slung plaited ponytail that played off her thematic Thom Browne look.

Her country club glam began with combed-back blonde, the pony’s slicked crown giving way to a taut braid that fell between shoulder blades and finished just past the waist. A white ribbon offered a romantic addition, lending well to Zendaya’s play on preppy. A velvety red lip and ample amount of blush ensured the moment skewed more glamorous than twee, a beauty combination dramatic enough for her sort of red carpet wear.

The actor is proving to be a (the) master of method dressing, working with stylist Law Roach to conceptualise looks that tell a visual story. Her sequinned halter gown — featuring referential detailing, from polo collar to racket motif to mesh pleated panels — was an all-out ode to tennis, one furthered by her exaggerated take on the court-ready pony. The braid was just the latest in a parade of press looks that prove promotional styling is a full-on art. As with her character Tashi, when Zendaya’s playing the game, it can be hard to keep up.