As I delve into the captivating narrative of Law Roach, a multi-talented powerhouse who seamlessly transitions between therapist, stylist, and friend, I am left in awe of his remarkable journey. His memoir, “How to Build a Fashion Icon,” is not just a collection of anecdotes from his work with celebrities like Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, and Megan Thee Stallion, but a self-help guide designed to inspire and empower.
It’s clear that Law Roach, who is known as a “slow down” denier due to his impressive work ethic, has a packed schedule this week alone. The esteemed fashion designer, recognized for crafting high-impact looks for stars like Zendaya, Kerry Washington, Celine Dion, and other influential Hollywood women, spends most days traveling this week. His journey begins in his hometown of Chicago, followed by a visit to New York for an appearance on the Today show, then off to Paris for the concluding days of the Spring 2025 ready-to-wear collections. Afterward, he’ll head to the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta for an engagement, and wrap up the week at CultureCon ’24, an annual gathering for Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs, held in Brooklyn.
Prior to his Instagram post in March 2023, displaying a bold red “Retired” graphic, causing a stir among fashion enthusiasts worldwide, Thomas Roach was undoubtedly recognized as one of the style industry’s leading visionaries and businessmen – a fact that rings particularly true this week. His first book, titled “How to Create a Fashion Icon: Insights on Self-Confidence from the Industry’s Only Image Architect” (Abrams Image, $28), is released today. This book is a blend of heartfelt personal stories, engaging fashion tales, and practical advice, offering insights into Roach’s remarkable career while also guiding readers on how to apply these lessons in their own lives.
As a passionate enthusiast, I yearned for something concrete, something straightforward that could genuinely benefit my audience. With actionable steps as my focus, The Hollywood Reporter heard me express this desire. Interestingly, retirement afforded me the luxury of time to bring this idea to life, but it wasn’t just about having extra hours; I was also seeking a fresh purpose. I longed for an outlet to express my creativity, yet I’ve served people in various capacities for so long. Now, I wished to contribute differently.
Roach admits that the title might seem a bit misleading, as his intention was to write a self-help book centered around self-confidence. However, he found that “How to Build a Fashion Icon” had more appeal. He jokes, “I wanted to conceal the medicine in the dessert.” If he had titled the book “How to Achieve Great Confidence,” he felt it wouldn’t have been as enticing coming from him. Yet, he firmly believes that self-confidence is the most attractive aspect one can don, and once you reach a certain level of confidence, you can wear any clothing you choose.
In this scenario, the book is filled with numerous stories about the stars he fondly appreciates, one of whom is Zendaya Coleman, whom he refers to as his “little sister, muse, collaborator, and strongest advocate.” Roach has been associated with Zendaya since 2011, when she was a young Disney Channel actress at the premiere of Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” in Los Angeles. In the book, he recounts an event that took place three years later, when Zendaya attended New York Fashion Week and drew a group of photographers. Roach shares how he assisted the young star in turning her entrance into a viral phenomenon by telling her, “They aren’t taking your photo because you’re famous; they are taking your photo because you’re beautiful.” This wasn’t false praise; it was the truth, and he wanted her to know that. As a result, the number of photographers increased from four to ten, and Zendaya stood taller with newfound confidence. This attracted even more attention, leading to a mob of photographers who continued to follow her throughout the rest of the week, capturing every outfit she wore.
Roach shares that he couldn’t live the way he does without her partnership, her love, and her unwavering loyalty. He describes their relationship as unique, explaining that at times she serves as his confidant, his pesky little sister, his counselor, his fashion assistant – she plays multiple roles in his world and his life.
In this book, Roach delves into the fascinating backstage tales of renowned fashion labels, dressing celebrities like Ariana Grande, Mary J. Blige, and Megan Thee Stallion. At the conclusion of each chapter, he includes “Take Action” sections aimed at inspiring readers. According to him, he intended to write a self-help book, viewing it as that genre. While you’ll find anecdotes from his professional experiences and personal life, these stories are followed by lessons. For instance, he might advise visiting a department store or boutique to try on clothes you hadn’t considered before, as our sense of fashion evolves similarly to how our taste in food does. His publisher preferred a memoir format, which might have resonated with readers, but Roach was more focused on offering practical advice and help.
Amidst the spotlight moments like his first-ever Stylist Award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 2022, and other red carpet highlights, Roach reflects on his past growing up in Chicago; his strong bonds with his mother and grandmother; and how his early fascination with vintage clothing led to the opening of a boutique, Deliciously Vintage, in the city’s Arts District. This significant decision propelled him towards fame, and he encourages readers to ponder their own aspirations by following his advice: “Air your dreams out openly,” he writes in chapter eight. He argues that some people advocate for keeping quiet about one’s goals until they are achieved, saying “Work in silence.” However, Roach believes in sharing one’s ambitions and plans with others to help manifest them. As he puts it, “Saying your dreams aloud can make them a reality.
Speaking about Roach’s upcoming project, it won’t launch until October 8th, but he was more than willing to talk about it a week early. In partnership with Kent Belden, the founder and CEO of The Only Agency (who has been Roach’s agent since 2016), Roach recently bought School of Style – an online education provider offering certification courses in fashion styling, hair, makeup, and more. “This platform is aimed at both aspiring stylists and those already working in the field,” Roach clarifies, “offering them the chance to take advanced-level courses to enhance their existing knowledge.” One aspect that makes Roach particularly proud is an elective focusing solely on financial literacy – a topic often overlooked by many freelancers entering this business. They want to ensure these individuals have the skills needed to manage taxes and set up corporations, for instance. With The Only Agency’s offices in cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Nashville, Roach also sees this platform as an excellent opportunity for students to gain exposure to global fashion opportunities.
Fundamentally, Roach acknowledges that his life nowadays doesn’t fit the definition of retirement. However, School of Style is a significant part of his philosophy of giving back, a principle he strongly advocates. This same principle underlies “How to Build a Fashion Icon“. As he puts it, “The book was penned with the sole intention to assist and inspire people to discover their self-assurance.” If it can transform even one life, he will consider it a success.
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2024-10-01 23:26