Law Roach Has Moved Past Old Grudges — Mostly
Law Roach says he has changed his attitude toward the fashion industry, but his stance on several luxury brands and Zendaya’s red carpet wardrobe has not changed completely.
The long-time stylist discussed his approach to past grudges during an Aug. 16 appearance on Ziwe Fumudoh’s You’d Be an Iconic Guest podcast. The conversation revisited Roach’s well-known history with five major fashion houses that he says declined to dress Zendaya early in her career.
Those brands are Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Chanel and Gucci.
Roach said he has personally moved beyond the resentment he once carried. However, when asked whether Zendaya would now wear those labels on the red carpet, his answer remained no.
Why Did Law Roach Stop Using Certain Brands for Zendaya?
Roach first spoke publicly about the issue in 2024 on The Cutting Room Floor podcast.
At the time, he said he had approached the major fashion houses while Zendaya was still establishing herself. According to Roach, the responses included suggestions that she was too inexperienced or was not yet part of a brand’s plans.
He said he kept records of those exchanges and decided that the rejection would have a lasting impact on his approach to Zendaya’s red carpet styling.
The story became particularly notable because Zendaya’s fashion profile later grew dramatically. Her red carpet appearances became a major part of her public image, with Roach playing a central role in creating looks connected to her films and public appearances.
Law Roach Says He Has Changed
During his latest conversation with Ziwe, Roach acknowledged that he no longer wants to hold onto every old grudge.
He explained that personal growth had changed his perspective. He also pointed out an amusing sign of that change: he was wearing Saint Laurent himself during the interview.
That detail suggests that Roach’s relationship with at least some of the brands has evolved personally, even though that does not mean he has opened the door for them to dress Zendaya on the red carpet.
In other words, Roach appears to have separated his own fashion choices from the rules he has maintained around Zendaya’s styling
Zendaya’s Red Carpet Fashion Has Thrived Without the Five Labels
The controversy is especially interesting because Zendaya did not need those fashion houses to establish herself as a major red carpet presence.
Over the years, she and Roach developed a distinctive approach to fashion that often connects her outfits with the projects she is promoting. This method-dressing strategy has become one of the most recognisable elements of her celebrity style.
Her fashion choices have included dramatic couture, character-inspired styling and highly coordinated promotional wardrobes. That creative partnership has helped turn many of her premieres and award-show appearances into major fashion moments.
Roach has also described his relationship with Zendaya as much more than a conventional stylist-client arrangement. Their long-running creative partnership has developed since she was a teenager.
Valentino Became a Notable Exception
There is an important distinction in Roach’s account.
Although he originally included Valentino among the major houses that declined to dress Zendaya, she later wore Valentino publicly after entering into a relationship with the brand.
Roach previously said that her first public appearance in Valentino came after a contract with the fashion house. Zendaya’s partnership with Valentino became especially visible during her promotional appearances, including the Spider-Man: No Way Home era.
That history makes the current situation more complicated than a simple permanent ban on every one of the five brands.
What Does This Mean for Zendaya’s Future Red Carpet Looks?
For now, Roach’s comments indicate that the personal grudge may have softened, but the red carpet rule surrounding Zendaya has not.
That distinction matters.
Roach can move on from past disagreements while still choosing different designers for Zendaya. His latest remarks do not announce a new partnership between Zendaya and Saint Laurent, Dior, Chanel or Gucci.
Instead, they show that the stylist’s personal perspective has evolved while his professional decision regarding Zendaya remains unchanged.
There is also no indication from Roach’s comments that Zendaya herself has announced a boycott of these brands. The red carpet position has primarily been discussed through Roach’s own accounts of their styling history.
Law Roach’s and Zendaya’s fashion partnership continues to stand out.
Whatever happens with the five luxury houses, Zendaya’s fashion career has already demonstrated that a major red carpet presence does not depend on wearing every famous label.
Her collaboration with Roach has produced a recognisable visual identity built around storytelling, fashion references and carefully planned appearances. The pair’s work has also helped make method dressing a major part of modern celebrity promotion.
Roach’s latest comments therefore add another chapter to a fashion relationship that has lasted for years.
For now, he may have outgrown the grudge. But when it comes to Zendaya’s red carpet wardrobe, the five-name list still appears to be off the table.