Law Roach Teaches Chicagoans 'How To Build A Fashion Icon'
Pictured: AHG, GJW, Law Roach and attendees getting their books signed by the stylist.
Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez/STITCH Magazine
Statement pieces, embracing your self-confidence, and nostalgia were conversations that were held during American stylist Law Roach’s first stop to promote his brand new book “How To Build A Fashion Icon” on Sunday morning.
Held at Pilsen’s historic Thalia Hall, the event was in collaboration with the non-profit organization Chicago Humanities and bookstore Chicago Seminary Co-op Bookstores. The venue held around 500 attendees and was adorned by red and blue lights, which provided ambiance to the setting.
As guests began to sit, discussions began about the stylist’s recent walk for the Vetements S/S 2025 collection, an exchange of astrological signs and anticipation of when Roach would arrive on stage.
A representative of the Chicago Humanities began by introducing the moderator, which was ABC7 Chicago anchor Val Warner and she greeted the crowd while kicking off the conversation.
“I want to say that you are really in for an exciting conversation between two trailblazers in fashion and beauty. I can see how fashionable you are. You should look good today,” said Warner.
After a massive applause, the moderator mentioned that the conversation would consist of how two trailblazers have shaped their industries and the celebration of Roach’s new book.
Warner introduced Kristen Noel Crawley, founder of KNC Beauty, entrepreneur and ambassador for fashion houses Christian Dior and Gucci, to the stage. After Roach’s introduction, the Chicago native was met with applause, screaming and a standing ovation while on stage.
“Well, what should be the first stop? I said Chicago. I gotta come home and be with my people,” said the world’s only Image Architect.
Roach credits Chicago culture for sparking his passion for fashion, especially the time he spent with his grandmother vintage shopping in the South Side.
“For a lot of us, church was our first introduction to fashion. Growing up that way instilled in me that there was something important about fashion. That's what really sparked my interest to get into the industry,” said Roach.
Crawley and Roach both experienced building careers in fashion, in the early days of social media, without some of the advantages of their peers. For one: both are from Chicago. Crawley and Roach found themselves moving to Los Angeles, the West Coast hotspot of the fashion industry, working side jobs until they found consistent work in the fashion industry.
Pictured (from left to right): Kristen Noel Crawley, Law Roach and Val Warner on stage talking to the audience.
Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez/STITCH Magazine
Crawley recalls first meeting Roach’s frequent collaborator and muse, Zendaya.
“Real recognize real. I could just tell from the way that she carries herself, that she seems like such a genuine person. I felt she would be a star and I knew with Law right beside her, it was unstoppable,” said the social media influencer.
Roach believes that the biggest compliment he has received in his career was that his clients never looked like each other. Roach made it his priority to figure out who his clients are, such as Celine Dion, Ariana Grande and Kerry Washington.
In addition to this article, Director of Styling; Grace Jordan-Weinstein (GJW) and Digital Managing Editor + Social Media Editor; Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez (AHG) provide their thoughts and main takeaways of the event.
AHG: The most meaningful conversation that was discussed was how the fashion industry's exclusivity affects those who are up and coming, especially those who are traditionally marginalized.
Not receiving invites to ‘certain’ shows and still showing up to these events shows the resilience that both Roach and Zendaya have built within them to show up and send a clear message; we are going to take a chance whether you like it or not.
Eventually, the stylist mentions how Zendaya got a picture taken of her and she was questioning why she got her picture taken. Roach told the actor that “they don’t have to know who you are, you’re beautiful and you have something that they see in you.” The next day, she was on the cover of WWD and the fashion world was now intrigued.
What led the iconic fashion duo to take a chance was to allow their confidence to control how the general public perceives them. For example, Roach mentioned that at the time, publications like the US Weekly used to do “Who Wore It The Best?” segments. With that in mind, Roach always got the same dress other celebrities would wear and 98% of the time, Zendaya would come out as victorious.
GJW: The most positive space I can remember. And one of the most well-dressed. Roach’s unapologetically and wholly Chicagoan self-made even foot-dragging plus ones felt they were friends with him.
The essence of Roach’s irresistible aura, and what allows him to build such trusting relationships with the most powerful women in entertainment isn’t just his unwavering confidence, but his humor and — though most of us have never walked for Vetements— relatability.
During the Q&A, when an audience member asked if they could give Roach a gift, his response was without question: ‘Of course.’ The frenzy caused by the abrupt “end of the book signing” (pictured above) was put to rest when Roach responded to the Beatlemania-esque calls of the audience for ‘just five more minutes.’
In short, whether on the red carpet or at Thalia Hall, Roach gives the people what they want.
“How To Build A Fashion Icon” and Roach’s approach to life were summed up perfectly in his own words: “I really think that confidence is everything… the pinnacle of confidence is when you get to the point where you can say ‘F**k it,’” said Roach.