Law Roach Talks Zendaya, The Dominick, and Met Gala Prep
Law Roach spills on his ‘Dominick Room Service Ritual’ and Zendaya’s Best Advice
There are stylists, and then there is Law Roach. It’s hard to find a word that truly captures the scope of his work—maybe iconic, incendiary, legendary, or simply exquisite. After all, this is the man largely responsible for Zendaya’s transformation from Disney starlet to red carpet powerhouse and one of the most celebrated fashion icons of this decade. Think of Roach as the Fairy Godmother to Zendaya’s Cinderella. Except instead of glass slippers, he sent her to a “Challengers” premiere in that divine checkered Louis Vuitton coat dress from the Spring/Summer 2013 ready-to-wear collection.
The Image Architect who worked his way up the trenches in the always tough and often vicious fashion industry has also served as a stylist for fellow red carpet slayers Anya Taylor Joy, Celine Dion, and Tiffany Hadish. But despite gracing the cover of The Hollywood Reporter twice and watching his clients earn CFDA Awards, Roach actually retired from being a stylist in 2023. But artists never stop creating and before long he had unretired to style the great Zendaya once again (as well as new muse Ryan Destiny).
He has also written a book, launched an online learning platform for stylists called School of Style, and will appear on the newest season of Project Runway, which will premiere this summer on Freeform and streaming services such as Disney+ and Hulu. For this year’s Met Gala, which he dressed Zendaya for, he partnered with one of his favorite hotels, The Dominick and they even collaborated on a specialty cocktail, named by Law and inspired by his favorite ingredients (Johnnie Walker, yellow dragon fruit, orange, and turmeric), available at the hotel throughout May. “The inspiration for the cocktail was that it’s sultry like my style, colorful like my personality, and vibrant like all the places we aspire to visit. It’s was available at Vestry at The Dominick in Soho for the entire month of May,” he told YCB.
YCB was lucky enough to chat with the fashion visionary about his collab with The Dominick (and his go-to room service order) as well as all his exciting project and what makes him tick, and of course, The Met Gala.
If this cocktail were a Met Gala look, what would it be wearing?
Burberry, of course.
Why do you think the cocktail is a fit for the fashion crowd?
It tastes like luxury.
Is this a drink for pre-event glam, post-event wind-down, or both?
Everything! A good drink is good for every occasion.
How do you celebrate after a whirlwind night like the Met Gala? Is the cocktail part of your post-event ritual?
During the chaos of the MET Gala, having a place that feels like home is the difference between me feeling grounded or not, and The Dominick is just that! The cocktail is a post-event celebration, along with Ruffles and caviar!
The Met Gala is fashion’s Super Bowl. How do you prepare mentally and creatively in the days leading up to it?
Taking a nap.
What makes The Dominick your go-to hotel when you’re in New York? Is it the vibe, the privacy, the sheets… all of the above? What is your definition of luxury when you travel?
Comfort and service. When I walk into The Dominick, they greet me with a warm welcome home and even help me take my boots off when they’re stuck!
What’s one small, underrated hotel detail that always makes a big difference for you during a busy week like the Met Gala?
Good quality sheets
Can you give us a peek into your room-service ritual? Is there a specific “Law Roach order” that the hotel knows by now?
Cheddar & Sour Cream Ruffles + Caviar. And now my specialty cocktail, Luxury on Spring Street.
SoHo is basically your runway — what are your favorite local spots to eat, sip, or find a last-minute look?
Lure Fishbar, 2nd Street Vintage, Blue Ribbon Sushi, Cipriani
You’re joining Project Runway this season — what kind of mentor do you see yourself being? Tough love or total cheerleader?
I guess you’ll have to watch and see!
In your view, what sets School of Style apart from other fashion education platforms?
The lessons are taught by working stylists with real-world experience.
The concept of ‘Image Architecture’ is central to your teachings. How do you define this, and why is it crucial for budding stylists to grasp?
Being an Image Architect goes beyond picking out a pretty dress – I focus on finding a style that reflects inner confidence. This involves understanding a client’s existing image to help me plan for the future story we want to tell the world.
You’ve created such iconic looks for both Zendaya and Anya Taylor-Joy — how do you approach styling two women with such distinct personal styles, and what’s the common thread that ties your vision for them together?
Confidence. I always aim to dress people in looks that make them feel their most confident selves because confidence is what makes or breaks a look
What is a life lesson you have learned from Zendaya?
With confidence, you can be whoever you want and wear whatever you want.