Law Roach has pulled the rug out from underneath the fashion industry.
On Tuesday, the renowned celebrity stylist, who has helped craft the couture game of A-listers such as Zendaya, Celine Dion, Megan Thee Stallion and Kerry Washington, jolted the news feeds of fashionistas around the world by announcing his immediate plans to retire.
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“My Cup is empty….. thank you to everyone who’ve supported me and my career over the years,” the 44-year-old tastemaker wrote on Instagram. “Every person that trusted me with their image, I’m so grateful for you all.”
The former Legendary judge’s tone then made a hard shift from the gratitude lane into the shade zone.
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“If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately, it’s not!” Law added. “The politics, the lies, and false narratives finally got me! You win… I’m out.” Shablam!
While the image architect did what he needed to be done, the news left his celebrity pals and clients in tatters.
“Law I won’t let you !!!! We don’t quit .. strived to hard,” wrote supermodel Naomi Campbell.
“Absolutely not,” commented fashion designer Christian Siriano.
“Sorry. I am not accepting this,” added season 5 Drag Race All Stars winner Shea Couleé.
While former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes sent support by advocating for his well being and noted, “Mental health is first.”
Although Roach didn’t elaborate on any specifics about “the politics, the lies, and false narratives” that sent him over the edge, many fans referenced a viral video of the stylist attending the Louis Vuitton show in Paris last week with Zendaya.
In the clip, Roach rocks up behind the Euphoria star wearing a mustard yellow ensemble as she takes the last seat in the front row next to Emma Stone. After Zendaya signals that there’s a free seat behind her, Roach looks nonplussed about being relegated to the second row.
While it’s unclear if the seating mishap motivated Roach’s retirement, the verdict is in on Twitter:
All because he had to sit in the second row? Wow
— Hai Giang 🍄 (@giangyhai) March 14, 2023
Oh he big mad bout that seat pic.twitter.com/8pKMeIgOD7
— aaron (@AaronABarksdale) March 14, 2023
He’s definitely mad about the seating arrangement at the LV show. People on TikTok were analysing the situation, saying that Zendaya won’t be wearing any of the looks….well….at least not anytime soon. You could tell he was upset by that and for a very good reason. They… https://t.co/HaSBnNszxp
— Victor Mkhetsane (@VictorMkhetsane) March 14, 2023
wait he mad cause zendaya aint scoot over???
— s e v e n (@sevveneven) March 14, 2023
The straw that broke the camels back was the seat situation but clearly it’s emblematic of more – he’s had to deal with and overcome a lot. I’m glad he’s in the position to be able to retire, wish him the best ♥️
— han (@shewatchestrash) March 14, 2023
I need an overly dramatized Lifetime movie about him being told to just sit behind, only for him to walk away and take an early retirement altogether
— Andréas (@andreastamu) March 14, 2023
wait, did he expect miss zendaya to stand up and give him her seat?
— chillin like a villain till i die (@craisinpuff) March 14, 2023
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Others were concerned how Law’s exit would be a devastating blow to the industry. In addition to curating looks for countless celebs for premieres, award shows, editorial campaigns and the Met Gala, Law was the first to receive the Stylist Award at the 2022 CFDA Awards and the 2021 Gem Award for Jewelry Style.
Fans seemed especially concerned for Zendaya’s future and how she must be reacting to the retirement news and the possible end of their epic collaboration over the years.
zendaya rn: pic.twitter.com/ADple508Xz
— i’m deadass. (@beydeadass) March 14, 2023
Zendaya @ the next event Omg pic.twitter.com/fW2402zFNK
— Sindel's hair stylist (@KFC_twigs) March 14, 2023
Zendaya & Megan Thee Stallion pic.twitter.com/heHwKobiqJ
— 💫 (@heyjaeee) March 14, 2023
Law Roach the next time he sees Zendaya and Emma Stone: pic.twitter.com/C9VN36YefI
— boredjesse (@boredjesse) March 14, 2023
Zendaya has yet to release any public statement about Roach’s pending retirement and/or the state of their working relationship.
As we wait to see how this all pans out, take a gander at some of Roach’s stellar work over the years:
bachy
Those are really some drop-dead knockout lewks!
Paulie P
He is A stylist. There are so many others. And when a stylist calls and says I am dressing Celine, Zendaya, etc…. it’s the name of the person being dressed not the name of the stylist that gets the goods…..
QJ201
He shopped for people for a living. I personally found him extremely unlikeable on Legendary. The don’t you know who I am attitude… tiring.
sfhairy
Who? oh the mean one from Legendary. Girl, no ones here for your attitude.
Ronbo
A few stunning looks… some hideous looks and a whole lot of money! To try it real on a budget and you’ll need to call a drag queen.
gregg2010
The most annoying stylist—if that’s possible.
dennynova
There will be a slew of stylists falling all over themselves for the opportunity to dress Zendaya.
Wm.
“He came and did, what needed to be done!” The best to him in hopes that he finds peace and happiness.
SDR94103
he basic.
bakeembakeem
At only 44yrs of age, you have attained vast notoriety in the industry by creating the image of the top faces in the business, and I am so very sure you have experienced some, if not most of the bullshit, that we ordinary folk are not privy to, right now I reminded of the late legendary fashion icon Andre Leon Talley who literally dined and wine with all of the great iconic designers, but sadly in his later years was basically cast aside like a nobody, Mister Law Roach do whatever you must for your own peace of mind
Bromancer7
Stylists are a dime a dozen. Bye, Felicia.
Openminded
I would have thought this event would have had assigned seating and if so, it’s on Roach for not knowing where his seat was prior to arrival. That said, IF seating was first come/first serve and IF Zendaya came to the event with Roach, then IMHO, she should have set with him in the second row if only one seat was available in the first row. I’m a white male, but the clip sure reminded me of “colored seating is in the back”, something black people still deal with on a daily basis. Like him or not, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hadn’t had a difficult day and this final straw did it for him. Maybe he’ll stew over it a few days and decide he can continue to tolerate this F’ed up business a bit longer. As the smart one’s say, “Never get so mad at someone that you can’t make money off of them”.
Kangol2
Except that Zendaya is a Black/mixed race woman. She also is a TV and film star, and he, though her friend, is her stylist. Sooo…bloop!