Law Roach: ‘Project Runway,’ Retirement & Red Carpet Style Law Roach on ‘Project Runway,’ His New Chapter

Law Roach, often referred to as an “Image Architect,” has profoundly shaped the landscape of celebrity fashion, transforming red carpet appearances into meticulously crafted narratives. Known for his visionary approach and a client roster that includes fashion icons like Zendaya, Céline Dion, and Ariana Grande, Roach’s influence extends far beyond mere clothing choices; it’s about telling a story with every stitch and silhouette. His recent endeavors, including a judging role on Project Runway and a partnership with Chase Travel, highlight a new chapter in his illustrious career, following a widely discussed, albeit partial, stepping out of retirement.

The Architect of Narrative Dressing

At the core of Law Roach’s philosophy is the belief that clothes are words, and every red carpet moment is an opportunity for storytelling. He sees himself as an “Image Architect,” a title he trademarked, emphasizing the depth and intentionality behind his styling process. This approach has given rise to some of the most memorable looks in recent fashion history, particularly through his long-standing collaboration with Zendaya. Together, they have brought characters to life on the red carpet, from Zendaya embodying Joan of Arc in custom Versace armor to her futuristic cyborg impression in Thierry Mugler.

Roach’s work has consistently pushed boundaries, proving that fashion can be a powerful extension of an artist’s persona and projects. His detailed “blueprint” for clients involves reviewing their entire style history and understanding how clothes make them feel, ultimately creating a cohesive and impactful image.

Red Carpet Method Dressing: A Stylistic Revolution

Law Roach is widely credited with catalyzing the trend of “method dressing” on red carpets, where outfits are specifically chosen to reflect a movie, role, or theme. This thematic approach, which hit a fever pitch in recent years, has become a hallmark of his work, transforming traditional celebrity appearances into engaging fashion events. For instance, Zendaya’s press tours for films like “Dune” and “Challengers” showcased meticulously curated ensembles that directly referenced the movies’ aesthetics, from a wet sand-inspired gown for “Dune” to tennis-inspired looks for “Challengers.”

Despite his significant role in popularizing this trend, Roach maintains a humble perspective. He expressed his enjoyment in seeing others adopt method dressing, noting, “I like that people are doing it, whether they give me credit for it or not.” He views it as a form of entertainment for audiences, offering “five or 10 minutes a day to look at something and enjoy it.” He particularly admired Jenna Ortega’s press tour for “Wednesday” as a beautiful and well-crafted example of the trend.

Stepping Back, Stepping Forward: Life After “Retirement”

In March 2023, Law Roach announced his retirement from celebrity styling, citing “burn-out,” the “politics, the lies and false narratives” of the industry, and a desire to focus on his mental and physical health. While this announcement sent ripples through the fashion world, Roach clarified that he was not retiring from fashion entirely, but rather from the taxing schedule of serving multiple clients. He confirmed that his creative relationship with Zendaya, his first major client, would continue.

Since then, Roach has embraced new ventures, demonstrating his continued engagement with the fashion world on his own terms. These include serving as a judge and executive producer on Project Runway and taking on the role of Global Tastemaker for Chase Travel.

Law Roach on “Project Runway”: A Judge’s Candid Perspective

Law Roach joined the judging panel of Project Runway for its 21st season and is confirmed to return for season 22, alongside Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Christian Siriano. His addition has brought a distinct and often blunt voice to the competition. Roach believes in giving honest feedback, stating that it would be a “disservice” to the aspiring designers to sugarcoat the realities of the fashion industry.

His critiques, while sometimes perceived as harsh, are rooted in a desire to push contestants toward growth, mirroring the tough love he believes is essential for success in the real world of design. He noted that when challenged, many contestants responded by striving to prove him wrong, leading to significant improvement in their work. This authentic and no-nonsense approach has resonated with many viewers, who appreciate his directness and passion.

Global Tastemaker: An Exploration of Travel and Culture

Beyond the red carpet and television, Law Roach has also embraced a new role as a Global Tastemaker for Chase Travel. This strategic partnership aims to position Chase Travel at the intersection of travel, culture, and lifestyle, leveraging Roach’s discerning eye and passion for cultural storytelling.

As part of this collaboration, Roach launched “The Art of Travel” series, which documented his creative journey through Istanbul. During this experience, he explored local fashion, culinary delights, and design elements, with a curated itinerary that included stays at luxurious hotels and visits to iconic locations like the Grand Bazaar.

FAQ

What are Law Roach’s recommended travel destinations?

Law Roach’s travel recommendations depend on personal interests. For shopping, he suggests Tokyo and Japan. For a food-centric experience, he highly recommends Asian countries, particularly Thailand, which he considers his sanctuary. For those seeking cultural immersion and lively parties, he points to South America, specifically Brazil and Carnival in Rio. He also encourages people to explore Saudi Arabia, which he found welcoming and culturally rich.

How does Law Roach feel about taking credit for method dressing?

Law Roach appreciates seeing the widespread adoption of method dressing on red carpets. While he is acknowledged for popularizing the trend, he states that he doesn’t care about receiving credit for it, expressing, “I like that people are doing it, whether they give me credit for it or not.” He views it as an enjoyable form of entertainment for the public and for himself as a fashion enthusiast.

How does Law Roach balance encouragement and honest feedback on “Project Runway”?

Law Roach believes in providing honest, straightforward feedback on Project Runway, seeing it as a necessary part of the learning process for aspiring designers. He aims to offer critiques that prepare contestants for the realities of the fashion industry, where not “everybody gets a trophy.” He feels that being candid allows designers to grow and improve, citing instances where tough feedback led to stronger future collections.

Conclusion

Law Roach’s journey through the fashion world is a testament to his unique vision and unwavering dedication to storytelling. From conceptualizing iconic red carpet looks as an “Image Architect” to influencing the prevalent trend of method dressing, his impact is undeniable. Stepping out of a full retirement to embrace new roles on Project Runway and as a Global Tastemaker, Roach continues to shape conversations around style, creativity, and the power of personal expression. His candid approach and commitment to authenticity underscore his enduring legacy as a transformative figure in modern fashion, one who truly believes that clothes, when chosen with intention, can speak volumes.