Roach Era
Law Roach treats styling as cinematic composition, with emotional and visual continuity stretched across red carpets, campaigns, and cultural memory.
Zendaya in Malcolm & Marie (2021), styled by Law Roach and photographed by Marcell Rév. Draped in a liquid-metallic Aliétte gown with a halter neckline and sculptural cutout, she moves through the frame like a character mid-monologue — poised, cinematic, and sharply constructed. The moment reflects Roach’s precision, turning glamour into narrative and styling into emotional tension. Image via Grazia, courtesy of Netflix. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.
Law Roach has become one of the most famous and influential celebrity stylists working with celebrities like Celine Dion and Brandy. He started gaining recognition after photos emerged of Kanye West at his Chicago boutique, but he did not get his start as a stylist until he met his first client, Zendaya. Despite having a long list of celebrities who want to work with him, he always makes time to style the actress for all her appearances. The duo are iconic in the industry for their immense loyalty to each other. While many other celebrities use multiple stylists, Zendaya almost exclusively works with Roach. The pair met when the actress was only 13 years old and formed a lifelong bond, which the stylist reflected on with Entertainment Tonight. He stated they made a "pinky promise" that he “would do everything to support and to help her grow, and as she grew she would take me with her and that's exactly what she did”.
Throughout their historical partnership, Roach expanded his career and influence into multiple avenues and endeavors. His first Met Gala appearance was with Zendaya, where the duo appropriately dressed as Cinderella and her Fairy Godmother- respectively. The singer even named him the co-creative director of her clothing brand, Daya. He may position himself outside the traditional fashion system, but his success with Zendaya has made him one of the most sought-after creative professionals in the industry. And one of the few designers who prioritizes his creative vision over trending styles or outdated ‘fashion rules’.
Roach has had one of the most unique careers in fashion; he judged a cycle of America's Next Top Model, styled Celine Dion for Couture Week in Paris, and even became the first Black American to cover The Hollywood Reporters Stylist & Stars issue. He also uniquely encourages his clients to embrace their identities through style, stating that fashion is a form of communication for individuals. Instead of styling their clothes, he strategically works with his clients to build a distinct image while defining their overall aesthetic. No wonder he is a self-proclaimed “image architect”- his career has gone far beyond that of a traditional stylist.
His meteoric rise from being relatively unknown in Chicago to becoming a cultural icon has granted him greater visibility and reach in the fashion industry. It allowed him to pave the way for other Black creatives to share their visions in fashion, ensuring a more open environment for future generations. He’s opened doors for a more diverse future in styling where Black creatives can create their own spaces and be supported equally. While the architect is at the height of his career, he is still always looking for what and who is coming next.
Everyone’s favorite stylist became so beloved that fans around the globe panicked when he said he was retiring in 2023- lucky for everyone it was only a semi-retirement. While he did retire from celebrity styling briefly to recharge his creative juices and remove himself from the “politics and false narratives” in fashion, he never stopped styling the Euphoria actress. Instead, he refocused on other creative outlets, like writing a book. Never fully retiring from fashion. It has been two years since his announcement, and it seems the global icon has found a new balance in his work. He had a full slate of celebrities to style for this year's Met Gala, including his all-time favorite client, Zendaya. Not only did he partner with Burberry as a consultant for the Met Gala and curate their table, but he also advised on this year’s theme. He has said that his break helped him learn how to be more intentional with his work, so he can protect what his creative energy goes into and focus on projects that truly matter.
