Law Roach Retires: Why Did Zendaya’s Stylist Leave?
Stylist to the stars Law Roach makes a shocking exit from the fashion industry after an iconic career…
Even if you haven’t heard of Law Roach, you’ve definitely seen his work. As one of the fashion industry’s top stylists, the 44-year-old self-professed “image architect” is responsible for some of the most unforgettable celebrity looks we have seen in recent years.
For global sensation Zendaya, who was ranked the best-dressed woman by Net-a-Porter in 2018, the fashion designer is the man behind the scenes. Starting his career as a stylist for Kanye West in a Deliciously Vintage boutique in 2009, Law has come a long way since then as he has collaborated with celebrities Celine Dion, Tom Holland, Megan Thee Stallion, Bella Hadid, Priyanka Chopra, and many more, working with leading fashion houses. In 2017, the trailblazer became the first African-American stylist to be featured on the cover of The Hollywood Reporter‘s Stylist & Stars Issue.
The role of a celebrity stylist is an important one. Choose the right designer’s pieces to match the right celebrity, and you can make or break the careers of both. So why did Law decide to end his?
The Stylist Is Responsible For Many of Zendaya’s Most Iconic Looks
With the Met Gala approaching in May and the press tour for Denis Villeneuve’s sequel to Dune in which Zendaya will reprise her role of Chani, it is difficult to imagine the 26-year-old fashion icon styled by anyone else other than her longtime collaborator Law. Mostly known for his work with the young actress, the former America’s Next Top Model judge has adorned her in the finest of high fashion, including some of the most cherished pieces from fashion’s archives.
Whether it is her viral hot-pink Tom Ford breastplate that turned heads at the 2020 Critics Choice Awards or her marble statuesque Balmain leather dress she wore to the premiere of Dune at the Venice Film Festival in 2021, Zendaya sure knows how to make a statement.
Law Roach Retires
In an Instagram post, the stylist announced the shocking news. “My Cup is empty….. thank you to everyone who’ve supported me and my career over the years. Every person that trusted me with their image, I’m so grateful for you all. If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it’s not! The politics , the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win … I’m out. ❤️❤️❤️”
The news has sent shockwaves throughout the industry with world-famous designers, celebrities, and more including the likes of Naomi Campbell, Diet Prada, and Rahul Mishra, wondering why he decided to make such a divisive move.
Why Did Zendaya’s Stylist Leave?
In a video circulating online, Law Roach is seen entering the Louis Vuitton A/W 2023 show along with long-time client and newly-appointed Louis Vuitton ambassador, Zendaya, and is seemingly disrespected by being asked to sit behind the actress, effectively removed from the prestigious front-row seating at the runway show. Online speculators suggest that Zendaya tells Law “oh there’s a seat right here”, which links to the stylist’s visibly upset reaction in the video.
More of Zendaya & Law Roach at Louis Vuitton’s FW23 show in Paris. pic.twitter.com/fEBkP8IwbI
— Zendaya Updates (@Zendaya_Updated) March 6, 2023
Rumours suggest that Law left the show before the collection’s debut in response to the front-row boot, and fashion enthusiasts have immediately come to his side.
He should be in the front row. He’s carrying the industry on his back when his peers ( a term used loosely) are flopping left and right giving us expensive Fashion Nova-esque looks. If he left, I don’t blame him one bit. https://t.co/HySWlujoPq
— MOVE Hive (@jesusjugs2) March 7, 2023
His decision comes after a slow-brewing change towards constant publicity and status-based politics that has deterred fashion insiders from an industry they once breathed for. Law Roach’s move may have been shocking, but his sentiments echo thoughts felt all across the fashion world. We are starting to see a plea for simplicity amongst designers and stylists alike, from Demna’s back to basics at Balenciaga, to Dior’s ode to female icons of the past.
Will we see Law Roach coming back to fashion in some other way anytime soon, or has he left the industry for good?
Check back soon for more information.
Lead Image Courtesy/@luxurylaw on Instagram
