On March 14, first-ever Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) awarded celebrity stylist Law Roach announced his retirement on Instagram. The caption begins by expressing his gratitude to those who have supported his career for the past decade and concludes with a criticism of the fashion industry. “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 the false narratives finally got me! You win… I’m out.” The post left the fashion world in complete shock. In addition to having a yards-long Rolodex of A-list stars that he’s dressed, Law was recently appointed as the West Coast Editor for British Vogue. Why walk away from a flourishing fashion career? Whispers began to make their rounds that his retirement was a direct result of Law being sat second row at the Louis Vuitton A/W 2023 show. While it sounds trivial, front-row seats at fashion month shows are specially reserved for the heaviest hitters in fashion, and Law’s work had earned him a front-and-center spot years ago.
Law spoke with Vogue’s Luke Leitch a day later backstage at the Hugo Boss show and revealed the true motivations behind his departure. Contrary to the rumors citing pride and publicity as the impetus behind his decision, Law made his post for peace of mind. “It was really me giving myself the grace to say: It’s okay, you can do something else.” Thankfully for all who follow fashion, “something else” seems as though it will still be in the realm of fashion business. I mean, who can truly ever abandon their love for fashion? It’s a lifestyle! We can be sure that whatever is next for Law will be a job where he can stretch his creativity without “being at the service of other people.” But there is one question on everyone’s mind: who will style Zendaya now?
Law and Zendaya have worked closely to build her image since 2014. Since they’ve begun working together, the actress/singer has cemented herself as a certified fashion mogul. She has produced two collections in collaboration with Tommy Hilfiger that primarily feature sharply tailored suits, which Law made her staple silhouette in the late 2010s. In 2021, she was named the CFDA Fashion Icon of the year and most recently became a global ambassador for Louis Vuitton. And yes, it added more fuel for the speculation surrounding the fashion show debacle. Law and Z’s relationship is indeed one for the style books. Their commitment to her look is so strong, Law has noted six-hour fittings where they experiment with different looks with only a break for lunch.
Who next will assume the coveted role of Zendaya’s stylist? Or “image architect” as Law affectionately coins his job. Will Louis Vuitton be dressing her for the quickly approaching MET Gala or will a new face make their way into her glam team? Will they be using Law’s formula as a foundation for her next look? It’s possible that their work together will result in Z being his only exception for putting celebrity styling behind him. As we wait for the first Monday in May to arrive, all that’s left for us to do is revisit Law’s best pulls for our favorite stars and wish him well as he enters the next phase of his life and career.
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