Law Roach on His Sudden Retirement From Celebrity Fashion Styling

Read the full interview here: www.thecut.com/article/law-ro...
As Hollywood’s most powerful stylist, Law Roach has been a creative director for the biggest names in the industry - Zendaya, Celine Dion, Priyanka Chopra, Anne Hathaway, Ariana Grande, and Anya Taylor-Joy, to name just a few - yet he still struggles as one of the few Black stylists working with A-list talent and luxury brands. This past weekend after the Oscars, Hollywood’s biggest night, Law posted on Instagram a stamp graphic of one word: “retired.” The caption read, in part, “The politics, the lies, and false narratives finally got me.” Law sat down with the Cut’s editor-in-chief, Lindsay Peoples, to give us the details on everything from what led to this moment in his life and retirement to what will happen to all of his clients at the Met Gala, racism in fashion, and what’s next.

[@Jasmine-ot8br]

The thumbnail is the reason no one is clicking on this. I didn’t think it was an interview I clicked once I saw how long the video is lol I felt a hunch

[@Jasmine-ot8br]

Months later and only 81 comments because the thumbnail just makes the video look like a slide show . Y’all should make the thumbnail the INTERVIEW

[@kiahthemug]

yea

[@kiahthemug]

My thoughts exactly

[@loveusyendi.7621]

He needs to step his look up

[@joslynslaughter3901]

I love the transparency of this interview. I am also saddened that WE as a community haven't acknowledged his talents and accomplishments as we should. However, he is built CHICAGO strong...and I know his next move will be his best move ❤.

[@thriftyko6532]

I'm so happy for Law. It sounds like he's ready to focus on living instead of surviving. I will listen to a podcast if he does one.

[@ladyteeeee670]

I work in Fashion and I never understood how deep this was for him. He is amazing and a true Fashion Icon. Brilliant interview

[@teriagins5695]

Wow...truth AND consequences. Bravo to Lindsay and The Cut for securing this terrific, revealing interview. Thanks to the stunning Law Roach-- the iconic fashion stylist and image consultant, for courageously baring his soul..and clearly explaining the inner workings of Hollywood fashion and celebrity ritual. A lot of competing cooks in this crazy stew--and Law let us know how thorny and stressful it can get. Bless his heart. He's fought hard and skillfully to reach the top of his field.,where he has blazed the trail ...Wise of Law to step back and breathe, regroup and re-set...as he makes his next moves. Best of luck to you Law....and I hope we can meet at some point. I can totally relate to all you said... having been steeped in the high fashion world, starting in the early 1990s....

[@danielraul1295]

He is a true inspiration on how to act and stand up to the negativity and the bullies ! Fashion and style is innately infused in him he doesn’t need to be a celebrity stylist to make an impact ! Law will stay strong and keep succeeding 🎯🧡✨✨✨

[@Sunflower-mp2yi]

Damn his childhood history is so sad. I can only wish all the best and lots of love for him💗💗💗 It’s really important to make the perspective of stylists more viral and public.

[@sarahmalone4353]

If you change the thumbnail to a still from the interview and the title to Law Roach speaks his truth on his retirement, you'd get more views. Great interview ❤

[@Christaallen]

Law is the truth. thank you for your incredible vision and talent, friend. may your star just continue to soar 💫

[@denisetaylor4256]

Law speaks his truths prayers and protection for him he is genuinely very perceptive

[@Shannon-mt7gc]

I absolutely love Law! Being from Chicago (west side though 😂), I am honored to see someone value themselves and their sanity and their happiness and in this interview, expose the truth. It takes courage to walk away and choose peace. It takes courage to speak on Hollyweird, the industry, and how ppl think it's changed so much, but shed light on how little it has. Thank you for this!

[@mosaicpaint3223]

Law Roach is just being honest

[@mercb.8637]

Another case of “No BLACK man should have all this Power…” We riding w u. ❤

[@moreloveandjoy]

This encompasses everything you need to know about life today. This man deserves all the flowers - the community needs to recognise better when there’s an auntie or an uncle clearing the way for them.

[@lovelynirvana2960]

What a great interview. I'm not into fashion too much, but I've always wondered who was dressing Zendaya because her style is like no other in the industry. Now, I know his name, and I can follow his career.

[@So-what692]

I have never encountered someone who has a passion for fashion as much as Law. I am not a fashion girl but I am constantly motivated by people such as Law. I felt when he said he doesn’t like being questioned for his work or talent when he has shown he can do the job and do it well. Yet constantly being questioned when you know you put your all into something. Nothing but blessings and love❤………

[@DAMIENSAQUAWORLD]

I don't know if many have grasped the degree of difficulty this must've been to be so transparent, candid and honest . I can sense the pain he's felt and judging from the calmness in his demeanour throughout the interview, the new found freedom that he's describing. Of course his pain and suffering is his own and something I can't say I completely understand because I am a gay white male that has not been subjected to what he has. I can however say that being someone who's worked in the fashion industry for over 30 years, it's not the friendliest and chalk full of stereotypes, inflated egos and painful cliches. After binge watching Legendary over the last couple of days, I had made my mind up about Miss Law Roach. Diva, c^nty, bitchy stylist reading the children on that show. The honesty and pain he described during this interview hit a nerve with me, like I feel he should be protected now. And Miss Law, if you need someone to cut up with, I'm here for you hunty, no shade. You don't need to go through any publicist or gate keeper, just holla.❤

[@therealvictoriaashley]

This was an very raw and real interview. Law has been a career inspiration for me and I’m sad to hear how burdened he was but I’m glad he’s doing what’s best for him.

[@RPGDesignatedPaladin]

This gave me an entirely new perspective on Law, his career, his work, and the hardcore bullshit he’s had to endure.

[@Alexa-uk8lj]

Law is a genuine artist who's trusted too many people to deliver his message and they've spun him. Meanwhile, this man has expansive skill. He should be a creative director in line with Grace Coddington or working with a fashion house. His professionalism, tenacity, and dependability is evident in the consistency of his past work. ❤💜

[@melissagold2559]

So insightful. Extremely concerning about how much gatekeeping there is in the fashion industry.

[@arthurwhitfield6685]

The Hate and Backstabbing is so Real so sad smh Love You Law Roach keep doing what you Do Boo 💖💖💖

[@bettsboo]

I feel he will now be able to take his power back and work with people who want to work with him and live his truth ❤

[@eris1279]

I can give him credit for saying he needs to learn how to accept love and to give himself grace and he DESERVES that ❤

[@NaijhaSpeaks]

Great interview. I had no idea who Law Roach was until I stumbled upon a Tiffany Haddish article. Truly a heart felt story. Sending prayers and blessings on a peaceful retirement from celebrity styling. Much success on new endeavors.

[@siristarburst9]

I'm so glad I heard of Law & this story! He's an inspiration and WILL RISE HIGHER❤

[@kaishajones]

Love him more and more. Beautiful human 💖✨🙏🏾

[@msp.722]

Good interview and informative.

[@Tabisam]

Sending you lots of love and light in this new year and Spring Equinox! A true rebirth in every sense! 🥂

[@bobothefofo]

I'm happy for him. I can't wait to see where he is going next.

[@itstaeyeon3]

Yas law roach ! Thank you for being a voice speaking about shadyness and gatekeepers in the fashion industry! I enjoyed the interview and it feels so real! May everything well for you Roach! 🙏😭🥰

[@meshellw3370]

I am enjoying this interview and Law has dropped a lot of insight.

[@hattiewillliams2013]

Wow who knew he was this unhappy with styling he is the best at what he does. Best of luck on your new adventure.

[@mstwelvedeadlycyns]

We love you Law Roach!❤🎉🎉🎉🎉#fashionrocks

[@darien2677]

Loved this interview

[@honestlysis]

I am so so happy for Law and wishing him the best in his journey. It takes ALOT to realize your dreams and realize it doesn't make you happy! I would personally love to see him become like a Joan Rivers... we're desperately missing that energy after these big red carpet events!

[@Rowgasmic]

You can really tell his passion for his work. He is so real. Good luck to him and all his endeavors

[@siristarburst9]

Why are you using the name Benny Medina😶🤨

[@siristarburst9]

"My work is SPIRITUAL". I love this man❤❤❤

[@valerie8548]

My heart really sank listening to him about his childhood. And then for him to talk about the gatekeeper in the industry that we've known for years that Black People won't amount to anything but, wants to be Us. I'm hoping that he will make it.💪🙏🏼🖤

[@TP-xy2ms]

I was hooked from start to end. I am now a fan of Law.

[@brendadurr5186]

Law lays the Law Down. Law is awesome..

[@dialindsey]

I don't know who he is (I'm not that fashion forward etc...)but this frankness is not SHADE nor is it being "defensive". I appreciate this interview immensely. It's tough describing art and working with art. Pro Artist (musicians, artist) are the hardest working ppl out there. There is creative and there is hardworking. I hope there is a follow up on his next chapter.

[@yvettedroll5074]

How can we be more protected like him ❤

[@elinstar6034]

I love the way he talks about his work and the process of it. Man's an artist. Now daydreaming about being dressed by him - must be fascinating.

[@Jujubbb]

Just came here to say I adore you both ! ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 thank you Law for giving us more of you

[@halfpiint]

May GOD surround him with LOVE everyday in his new journey! LOVE that will be felt by anyone around him and only attract kindness! He has a gift from God that outshines others! his styling always has that extra UUMPH! ❤ so I understand why so many people consider him a threat, even though he’s not competing with anyone else other than himself in wanting to grow!❤

[@leighroiii]

This is everything! They are comfortable like good girlfriends, yet very informative.

[@anddid8173]

I guess that why most business owners have a place of business and only want to be seen when and if the check doesnt clear.

[@oksana_sinelnikova]

Inspirational ❤️❤️❤️

[@dunnuppstyles]

Exceptional!!!🤎🤎🤎🤎🤎

[@sarahleite6201]

i have no words for this interview. the conduction, the empathy, the deepness, the truthiness... just 🤍

[@fridayfosternow6787]

Thank you for this Truth in his Words. Viva Law Roach!!!!

[@user-om4bx8kq1h]

Nothing but love to law

[@celinamartinez247]

Absolute icon. His story is very inspiring 👏

[@HOLINESSTOJESUS]

I believe him about the agenda- too many of the girls have come out and said their team will tell them to lose weight. If they for a moment believe their client will lose out on opportunities (aka their checks) because of the clients weight, I would not doubt they would fabricate something to get them to lose weight

[@awesomesunflower7355]

Love, love, love Law Roach!❤❤❤❤

[@leomarilyn4232]

He cares for the fashion image of his client, and if they don't respect the quality of his work = he can afford to do the math and know that his contribution and respect for who he is and the value he adds to his clients and treat the human first he is first a person who will not negotiate his personal values and the value of respect period always above all that's first and it matters

[@LoLaS2011]

I wonder why this was reuploaded.

[@Finnola]

As a public figure working with everyone be it stylists, pr or specific person who a celebrity delegates to be in charge of their image needs to learn before hand that not every designer or stylist is going to be sensitive. It's the entertainment industry and stylists have their own ambition as well as designers, so it's cutthroat and celebrities need to deal with comments and criticism.

[@althea.dellaura]

Respect ✊🏾

[@barberjamesjosephmolina]

Good for you... If someone isn't happy and clearly has the means to do so, take a break... figure it out, find what truly makes you happy.. I don't think he's gone forever tho.... there has been many people that went into retirement, usually celebrities... ONLY TO have an awesome comeback later on in their life... very talented dude... I've followed him since top model .... he's amazing.... I really hopes he figures it out... 😢 Do yo thing HENNI.... xo ❤

[@estdec2773]

For this to be such a hot topic and people want to know the WHY… viewership is low & it’s because of the thumbnail honestly.

[@michaelenglish1992]

It's a very good interview. This set is horrible. NYMag step it up.

[@farahfelixfonseca7832]

Pues qué bueno que tuvimos la oportunidad de admirar su trabajo y ojalá nos de la oportunidad de seguir admirando su trabajo,lo ❤❤️👏👏🙏🙏😍☺️😎🇲🇽amo

[@M_Sabbaly]

Brave 💪

[@tishsmiddy71]

Bravo Bravo ❤🌹💋💋

[@leahmates3659]

Law Roach has real talent And he should do what he want to do Zendaya should look for another stylist… because Roach is done!.. he is unhappy… so that’s negative energy already😊

[@erikagardea8334]

As soon as he said Megan, it all made sense.

[@kimberlywatkins928]

❤❤❤❤100%

[@chuxkingdom]

Law means a rule of behavior or action that is made by an authority, such as a government or a controlling power, and that must be obeyed or face consequences. Resistance to excellence is belligerence. People need to legitimately find their joy by not being above the law.

[@aleksavera1928]

Love u

[@gaila.9852]

Wow, they wasted no time setting up this interview.

[@Saffrondavan]

Change the thumbnail

[@user-mc8hh4bl3c]

This interviewer is soo disconnected... I'm frustrated! Law is genuine and she's not connecting!

[@oddanneout]

I’m in love

[@adriananderson28]

♥️♥️♥️♥️‼️🏆‼️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@debspringchannel831]

Change the thumbnail girl

[@sarabraxas3682]

Law claims he retired but it seems he was forced out.

[@FoougieTV]

How does it "seem" he was forced out? Please list your clues.

[@sarabraxas3682]

@@FoougieTV well since you asked nicely 😇 First, his choice of the word “retire”. He is way too young for that. Retire and go where? The only direction is down when you’re at the top of the world. I’m certain he doesn’t want that and it is a likely a forced “retirement”. Second, his “misunderstandings” with certain celebrities sound like manufactured press to oust him. Thirdly, he is outspoken on getting paid for his work on altering dresses and most likely outspoken on a lot of other issues too, no one likes to held accountable by (four) someone black who basically didn’t go the usual route like everyone else. His spot is highly coveted and his enemies want them bad. He conceded defeat and just made it easy for them because (he himself said it) the industry politics became too much. Just my take…

[@CLJ112]

He's a messy ass drama queen. Law is a Fashion icon, but he's also a bitchy whiny stylist. He's not retiring, he wants fame and he's running to show after show telling his story. If he's done why did he walk the boss show the next day🤔

[@bettsboo]

I feel this might be true and hope this move will help him take his power back and he will get to choose who he wants to work with. Kudos to Law.

[@kennyhanlon3487]

That you seem to have in abundance dear

[@ayodari_style]

How could a mother just up and leave her baby like that hungry and alone? I’d sooner starve myself.

[@adriannespring8598]

A LOT of mothers do that. I was left at a street fair without warning at roughly 8 years old. I panicked and desperately tried to find my mum. Then I eventually somehow got to a phone (no cell phones existed back then) and I phoned home. Mum answered & asked if I was ready to go home. I wasn't there with anyone. She'd just left me because she was annoyed I stopped to pet a sheep.

[@ayodari_style]

@@adriannespring8598 I am so sorry that happened to you.

[@tibbytx1]

The underlying theme of this interview is that Law wants to be in front of the camera and wants the talent label and accolades instead of the behind the scenes role. #ego

[@sarabraxas3682]

Law called Priyanka Chopra “old Hollywood” hilarious!

[@carey579]

I think he meant in terms of star quality. Watch her interviews. She has incredible charisma. Maybe over the top like old Hollywood stars.

[@sarabraxas3682]

@@carey579 it was a subtle jab disguised as a compliment. He said OLD Hollywood. No woman, especially at that level, wants to be associated with the word “old”. Being old in Hollywood has never been cute or fashionable because Hollywood is progressive (Priyanka is actually 40 which is old in Hollywood for women) If she is watching this interview all she’ll hear is the word OLD, like a dagger to her heart, she didn’t hear anything else lol! U gotta understand how these people think. Just like he said she wasn’t “sample sized” or in other words FAT which I believe he probably did say behind her back. So here slick ass Roach is calling Priyanka Fat and Old. Get it? These people throw subtle jabs at each other all the time.

[@HOLINESSTOJESUS]

@@sarabraxas3682 the previous comment is right- old Hollywood is a very beautiful compliment. It’s the reason Kim Kardashian put on Marilyn’s dress- and why so many of the girls are losing weight to fit into those types of aesthetic

[@sarabraxas3682]

@@HOLINESSTOJESUS it seems like a beautiful compliment to you because you’re not paying attention. Word choice is important here. In Hollywood being called OLD anything has never been a good thing. If he said Classic Hollywood or Vintage Hollywood those are better word choices but he said OLD and that was intentional. It’s a double edged compliment that is really an insult that pokes at her and the fact that she is too old for Hollywood (Priyanka is 40). Also by saying she isn’t “sample sized” he is actually saying she’s fat lol. Finally he said she has a “twinkle and a wiggle” that probably means she is a wh**re too. So here we have Law calling Priyanka an old, fat wh**e and you’re here saying it’s a compliment! Lmao! Hollywood is known for its fakeness and these fake compliments are part of the game. Do your home work!

[@AshaA2]

@@sarabraxas3682 hun, sample size is just a fact. You must not have ever worked in the industry which is fine but non industry folks tend to not understand what these terms mean in the industry and not to those outside of it. Also, old Hollywood is absolutely a compliment and one of the best ones if not the best.

[@siristarburst9]

The music industry IS just as BAD & our ppl as well. I know bc it destroyed my career, my life. Black celebs destroyed my career ie Babyface Edmonds who owes me $$$, & Al B Sure & El & Randy DeBarge's toxic words and actions. It's NOT just wp. Too many blacks are responsible too. Ironically P Diddy was the kindest person I'd ever encountered in all of the turbulence I experienced in this business.

[@gaila.9852]

It honestly seems like Law made up this explanation for the seat incident. He was the one without a seat, so why would Zendaya point to where Darnell was supposed to sit? I saw the incident from the front and the back, and there was no indication that Law said, “Where is Darnell sitting?” or that Zendaya said, “Darnell is sitting there.”

[@beneg417]

It honestly seems like you and a bunch of bored made up these narratives and when presented with an actual source you chose to keep YOUR version of made up events. Because if THATS ALL YOU GOT FROM THIS introspective interview about this artists experience then maybe this convo is too adult for you.

[@gaila.9852]

@@beneg417 When did I state that this was my only takeaway on the interview? Stop making assumptions and looking foolish. Have you written YOUR think piece yet?

[@charityrocks]

Ok so far I am not even half way through and I am am getting red flags. He lacks accountability and thinks he’s is responsible for everyone else’s talent as well as being racist. I find him too catty and arrogant to work with personally. Using the work thick and his explanation was weak. His body language is even disingenuous. I’m out.

[@kimberlywatkins928]

This DUDE is Super Bad 🎉🎉🎉

[@user-ux1mo5nq8p]

On top of that.I have never seen a white man playing a woman in a sitcome or movie.If there is one,let me.know.

[@alexisrubio4437]

Mrs. Doubtfire.

[@kennyhanlon3487]

tut tut tut all skin cultures suffer its not exclusive to black people and manage your gigs come on be real open and honest

[@gchristina1770]

Another troll 🧌 comment; you are not listening carefully and acquiring an understanding relating to his comment on race. Furthermore, Law is the best stylist hands down!!

[@elinstar6034]

Ah, ignorance...

[@kennyhanlon3487]

@@gchristina1770 in u r very small world

[@koolaid4315]

Law you have one life to live. I understand your plight. Congrats and blessings to you on your journey. Hold on you got this.🫶🏽🙏🏽

[@carey579]

That seemed sincere and not the attention grab that many people initially thought. One thing I have to say is Law needs to stay away from menswear at least. His male clients are either bad and / or boring. Being good at womenswear doesn't always mean you're going to be good at menswear too. Actually the opposite is almost always true - men who are into women's clothes don't have good menswear instincts. Tom Holland should go to Timothee Chalamet's Haider Ackermann or Timothee himself 🙏

[@CLJ112]

I'm pretty sure Tom Holland don't give AF about what you think. Get his 🥒 out of your 👄 loser & clean his shoes.