From Zendaya to Gigi Hadid: How Law Roach redefines fashion across cultures

Law Roach, Hollywood’s favourite trailblazing stylist-turned-'image architect', has cemented his legacy as more than just that—he’s a visionary shaping the very fabric of culture. From dressing stars like Zendaya and Celine Dion to making waves at India’s grandest fashion events, Roach’s influence reaches across continents. This was evident at the Ambani wedding in July, where Roach’s impeccable styling elevated the amalgamation of Indian fashion and high-end luxury. Roach’s career is built on more than just putting clothes on celebrities—it’s about creating moments that transcend the red carpet. 

In April 2023, Zendaya, Roach’s muse and longtime collaborator, stunned in a royal blue sari by Rahul Mishra, adorned with intricate embroidery and a contemporary twist on traditional Indian wear. It was a moment that effortlessly captured the essence of Roach’s philosophy; melding the old with the new, heritage with modernity. The look didn’t just pay homage to Indian fashion but reinvented it for a global audience, showing how Indian couture can seamlessly blend into international style moments. Gigi Hadid, another guest styled by Roach for the wedding, donned an exquisite ivory Chikankari lehenga designed by Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla. Known for their intricate hand embroidery and opulent designs, the duo’s lehengas are a quintessential piece of Indian bridal couture. Roach’s styling of Hadid in this piece was a nod to a touch of contemporary, minimalistic flair to traditionality; something that only Roach could master. The ensemble perfectly encapsulated the grandeur while appealing to a global audience. His presence at the wedding and pre-wedding events marked an important crossover between Hollywood styling and Indian couture, spotlighting the importance of fashion as a storytelling tool in both worlds. Indian fabrics, textiles, and embroideries shone through Roach’s styling sensibilities, proving that fashion has no borders, only endless possibilities for creativity.

Roach’s influence is defined by his ability to turn clothing into a narrative. He uses clothes to craft tales of confidence, power, and reinvention. Hailing from Chicago, Roach's journey began with a passion for vintage clothing, eventually leading him to open a boutique that attracted celebrity clients. His meteoric rise to fame came through his collaborations with Zendaya, where he crafted her into a fashion icon with daring red carpet looks. Roach’s ability to blend storytelling with style has earned him the title of "image architect." With a keen eye for bold, high-fashion statements, Roach continues to redefine how celebrities use fashion to express identity and power.

Despite announcing his retirement in March 2023 with the now-infamous "RETIRED" Instagram post, Roach continues to be an omnipresent force. His decision to step back from full-time styling was more a reflection of the industry's politics than a desire to leave behind the artistry of fashion. But even in his "retirement", Roach remains a fixture in key moments of fashion and culture, proving that his influence is far from over. Law Roach’s work has always been about more than clothes; it’s about the creation of icons. As he prepares to release his forthcoming book, How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect, Roach continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a stylist. His message, whether delivered through a custom couture gown or his bold words, remains clear: true style is about confidence, and that’s a lesson that resonates from Hollywood to India and beyond.

Feature image: Getty

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