Law Roach, This Year’s CFDA Stylist Honoree, Talks What’s Inside His Closet

Among all his memorable looks, those which involve vintage rise to the top. Roach’s love of vintage is apparent; he has a particular talent for sourcing archival red carpet gowns and making them feel entirely fresh. “Doing vintage requires a little bit more work and creativity, but I always like to live in the era,” says Roach. “People ask me, ‘How will you modernize it,’ and I’m like, ‘De we have to?’ No matter if it was made in 1920 or 2020, a great dress is a great dress.” In June, he styled Zendaya in a striking Bob Mackie gown from 1998; at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, he also dressed Bella Hadid in a frothy Chanel dress from its fall 1986 collection. “Bella is one of the girls that’s leading the charge—she wears vintage so much in her everyday life,” says Roach, who adds there’s also an eco advantage to it. “The easiest way to be more sustainable is to wear clothes that someone has worn already.”

But aside from his stellar roster of A-list clients, Roach has also become a style star on his own accord this year. Just this past fashion month, he was in the front rows at all the top shows, including Valentino, Balmain, and Salvatore Ferragamo—always delivering a bold ensemble that rivaled even the biggest actors or models in the room. He describes his style as never trying too hard. “I try to be easy, effortless, and lazy—but also chic,” says Roach. “I do a lot of high-low: I’ll wear sweatpants from Target, but with a great bag, watch, and shoes.” Lately, his wardrobe staples have been centered around two fall-winter staples in particular: A classic white shirt and a long skirt. “I love to wear really inexpensive, oversized white button-down shirts,” says Roach. “I buy them off Amazon in bundles. There’s something about a white shirt that always feels chic and clean.”