Stylist Law Roach believes his partnership with Zendaya is “bigger than either of” them.
Law Roach believes his partnership with Zendaya is “bigger than either of” them.
The acclaimed stylist has worked with the Greatest Showman actress since 2011 and he credits “trust” as being key to their professional relationship having lasted as long as it has.
Asked what makes their partnership special, he told Attitude.co.uk: “With Zendaya, it’s trust. From the beginning, we’ve used fashion as a tool to shift how people saw her – from Disney star to global icon. She’s fearless, and she leans into transformation without ever losing authenticity.
“That partnership works because she trusts me and I trust her, and together we’ve built a style language that’s become bigger than either of us.”
The 46-year-old fashion expert – who has also worked with the likes of Anya Taylor-Joy and Celine Dion – believes the key to establishing an “iconic” fashion look is all about “building an identity” and telling a story.
He said: “The secret is storytelling. Anybody can put someone in a dress or suit, but making an iconic look means building an identity. It’s about strategy, psychology, artistry – making sure the look aligns with who that person is and how they want to be seen. When clothes, confidence, and intention come together, that’s when you get a moment people never forget.
“I honestly think that that I was born to be a storyteller and I also think that I was born queer and I think the intersectionality of where you know, life experiences and storytelling meets my queer identity, has really just gave me the courage to be able to live out loud and to use fashion and clothing to be the words of the narrative that I am trying to tell.”
Law is known for his brutally honest feedback on Project Runway and even though he knows his remarks can “sting”, he insisted it is more helpful not to “sugarcoat” things.
He said: Sugarcoating doesn’t help anyone grow. Honesty – even when it stings – creates space for designers to dig deeper and find their authentic voice. If you really want to thrive in this industry, you need feedback that challenges you to do better. That’s how creativity evolves.”
Meanwhile, Law has teamed up with Johnnie Walker to reimagine cocktail culture with four Black Ruby twists on some classic drinks.
The Black Ruby New Fashioned adds a modern twist to an Old Fashioned with hibiscus syrup and cold-pressed beetroot juice, whilst the Black Ruby Negroni swaps the traditional gin base for the sweetness of Johnnie Walker Black Ruby, complemented by maraschino liqueur. The Black Ruby Collins also swaps gin for the whisky, while the Black Ruby Ramble offers a revitalised take on the 80s classic.
And Law – a former bartender – offered some tips for the ultimate cocktail hour.
He said: “Glassware? Glasswear, honey! Think of your glassware as the clothing for your cocktail. Make sure that liquid gold is draped in something gorgeous. I’m personally into vintage pieces that accentuate the colour of the drink. I always consider something unexpected compared to what the cocktail might traditionally be served in – after all, we consume with our eyes first.
“Garnish like you’d accessorise… Think about shapes, sizes, and colours to add a bit of zhuzh to your cocktail. I’m really into maraschino cherries and orange peel; those colours are so striking to me.
“Accents of flavour… A cherry garnish is great, but what makes it fabulous is a spritz of edible gold paint. Simple, yet so stylish.
“Dripping in Ice… Don’t fall into the trap of thinking ice is just to keep the cocktail cold! I love using ice as a feature – big, bold cubes; silky spheres; or the textured look of crushed ice. Each one creates a different aesthetic and vibe.”
Law Roach and Zendaya’s style partnership is ‘bigger’ than either of them
