Hollywood stars constantly turn to him for advice, asking him to create their looks. We’re talking about Law Roach. To achieve unprecedented success in the fashion industry, he had to face many challenges, which he overcame to make a name for himself globally, becoming a successful stylist and fashion icon. How did he manage it? Let’s dive into it on chicagoka.com.
Early Steps in the Fashion Industry
Law Roach was born in Chicago, the eldest of five children in his family. Raised by a single mother, the family lived in poverty. Roach’s love for fashion was instilled by his grandmother, who often took him shopping at second-hand stores. After graduating from high school, Roach enrolled at the University of Chicago to study psychology and worked part-time as a bartender at a local bar. However, his love for fashion prevailed, and in 2009, he opened his vintage store “Deliciously Vintage” in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood.
Roach’s big break came unexpectedly when rapper Kanye West visited his boutique to buy something for his girlfriend. This visit caught the attention of paparazzi and industry insiders from Los Angeles and Hollywood, thrusting the young stylist into the spotlight. His unconventional fashion sense and approach to style quickly made him popular.
In 2014, a pivotal moment in Roach’s career was his meeting with a 14-year-old Zendaya, who became his first major client. They were introduced by a mutual friend. At the time, Zendaya was starring in the first season of the show “Shake It Up.” Soon, Zendaya and Law began collaborating, and together, they built a successful career focusing on emerging and independent designers.
Collaborations with Celebrities and Iconic Projects
Law Roach created stunning looks for stars like Celine Dion, Kerry Washington, Ariana Grande, and many others, making him famous worldwide. His experience and excellent reputation earned him a place among the top celebrity stylists and the highest-paid stylists in the world.
In 2016, Roach became a judge on the 23rd season of the reality show “America’s Next Top Model,” where he showcased his expertise and creativity in fashion to aspiring models. Soon after, he was invited to participate in the 20th season of “Project Runway,” further solidifying his status as a fashion authority.
In 2017, Law resumed his collaboration with Celine Dion, crafting her look for Paris Fashion Week, which was highly praised by viewers and critics alike. During this period, he also appeared in “The Hollywood Reporter” magazine. His career continued to soar, with new high-profile clients like Demi Lovato and Sandra Bullock joining the ranks. He also styled Mariah Carey for the Golden Globe Awards. In 2022, the renowned stylist was honored with the first-ever CFDA Stylist Award.
Roach’s approach to creating style is meticulous and thoughtful. He doesn’t just dress his clients; he creates a narrative around their clothing. Every detail is so well-coordinated that it forms an ensemble reflecting the owner’s style and character. This approach earned him the nickname “image architect.”
On March 14, 2023, Roach announced his retirement on his social media page, citing lies, politics, and false narratives as the main reasons for his decision. This news came as a shock and surprise to his fans and the stars.
Confidence – The Foundation of Perfect Style
Roach is the author of the book “How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect,” published on October 1, 2024. The book’s philosophy centers on the idea that true style is not just about wearing the right clothes but owning them and turning them into an extension of your personality. Roach’s own journey is a prime example of this principle. To make it in the competitive world of fashion, he needed not only talent but also unwavering belief in his vision and abilities.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Roach’s career is his ability to learn from his clients and actively collaborate with them. For example, his work with Celine Dion showcases his talent for blending high fashion with a sense of playfulness and risk. Dion, a fashion icon, trusted Roach to push the boundaries of her style, resulting in a series of bold and unique looks. Similarly, his collaboration with Anya Taylor-Joy demonstrates his skill in understanding and enhancing a client’s aesthetic. For the star, Roach created looks that expressed her beauty and vintage style, solidifying her status as a fashion darling.
In his book, the stylist encourages readers to explore and embrace their personal taste rather than chasing fleeting trends. According to him, true style icons are those who stay true to themselves and exude confidence in every outfit they wear. Roach also emphasizes the importance of understanding what the body needs and dressing in a way that accentuates its natural features. His process of crafting a style involves carefully considering proportions, colors, and textures that complement the wearer’s complexion.
As of 2024, Roach serves as an editor for British “Vogue.”
In conclusion, Law Roach’s story is an inspiration for anyone dreaming of a career in the fashion industry.