The stylist says he’s let go of old grudges, except when it comes to Zendaya’s red carpet wardrobe
Law Roach is opening up about a shift in his mindset, though not everything has changed. The stylist behind some of Zendaya’s most talked-about looks recently addressed a long-running story about the brands he’s kept at arm’s length—and revealed that his feelings have evolved, even if his policy for his most famous client hasn’t.
A Softer Side of Law Roach
Appearing on Ziwe Fumudoh’s podcast You’d Be an Iconic Guest on Aug. 16, Roach reflected on a pattern he’s become known for in fashion circles: an unofficial standoff with a handful of major luxury houses, including Saint Laurent, Dior, Valentino, Chanel and Gucci. The tension traces back to the early days of his career, when those brands reportedly turned down requests to dress a then-teenage Zendaya for red carpet appearances, at a time when she was still building her name in Hollywood.
Roach didn’t deny the history, but he described a personal shift away from holding onto old resentments. He suggested that carrying grudges takes a toll on a person over time, and that part of his own growth has involved consciously letting go of some of that weight rather than allowing it to define him. As if to underscore the point, he noted he was dressed in Saint Laurent during the interview itself, a detail that seemed to speak louder than any explanation he could offer.
Grudges Fade, But Boundaries Remain
Despite easing up personally, Roach made clear the shift doesn’t extend to Zendaya’s red carpet choices. Asked directly whether she’d ever be seen in any of the five houses for a red carpet moment, his answer was a firm no—a distinction that suggests his forgiveness is personal, not professional. For Roach, moving on doesn’t mean forgetting who showed up for his client early on, and who didn’t.
View this post on Instagram
The origins of the freeze-out date back to comments Roach made on the podcast The Cutting Room Floor in May 2024, when he explained that the brands had repeatedly declined to dress Zendaya, telling him to check back the following year because she wasn’t yet established enough for their calendars. He said he kept track of those rejections over time, treating them less as slights to move past quickly and more as a running record of who believed in Zendaya before the world caught up. He also pointed out that while Zendaya has since worn pieces from those same houses in editorial photo shoots, none of them made it to a red carpet until she had a formal contract in place—specifically citing Valentino as the first to reach that stage.
View this post on Instagram
A Partnership Built on Bold Style Choices
Zendaya’s fashion evolution has been closely watched for years, with her Met Gala appearances and press tour wardrobes often generating as much conversation as her film work. In recent years, she and Roach have leaned into a method-dressing strategy, using fashion to echo whatever project she’s promoting. That’s included all-white bridal-inspired looks for The Drama, spider-themed pieces tied to Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and flowing, Greek-goddess-inspired ensembles for The Odyssey, each era feeling like its own carefully staged visual chapter.
Beyond Fashion, a Deeper Bond
Roach also spoke about his relationship with Zendaya beyond the racks and fittings, describing a bond that has shifted through many roles over the years. He described their dynamic as constantly changing—sometimes she’s a confidante, sometimes an advisor, occasionally someone he butts heads with, and other times someone who feels like family. He said he hopes the feeling is mutual, reflecting a partnership that has clearly outlasted any single red carpet moment or brand feud, and one that seems built to keep evolving alongside both of their careers.
As Roach continues to shape Zendaya’s public image, his comments suggest a stylist who has made peace with parts of his past—while still keeping a firm hand on the narrative he and his longtime collaborator have built together, grudges and all.
Source: People
