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When I arrived at Thalia Hall for an evening with Law Roach, I knew it would be special—but the energy in the room was beyond what I’d imagined. The crowd was thick with excitement, each person buzzing about fashion’s transformative power and ready to take notes from one of the industry’s most influential stylists. Law has styled everyone from Zendaya to Celine Dion, and he’s crafted a career that commands respect from fashion’s elite. Here’s what I learned from that unforgettable night, as Law shared his journey, advice, and unapologetic approach to style and self-worth.
First Impressions: Thalia Hall as a Fashion Wonderland
From the moment I walked in, it was clear that Law came to make an impact. There was a team of nearly 30 staff, all dressed in sleek black, guiding us through the hall in a way that felt both seamless and intensely focused. The guests added to the scene in vibrant ways: a woman in sequined pants, a man in a head-to-toe red ensemble, another woman in a lime green fur coat—the outfits alone were a tribute to Law and his mission. As I made my way up to the balcony, I saw a massive “Law Roach – How to Build an Icon” sign, looming in the background, ready for photos and lending a grand vibe to the evening.
Confidence: Law’s True Key to Success
When Law started speaking, I expected him to list out the usual go-to tips: staple pieces, must-have connections, even rules to follow in styling. Instead, he led with something much deeper—confidence. “Believe that YOU can achieve ‘big time success,’” he said. It sounds simple, but the way he explained it was powerful. For Law, confidence isn’t just a buzzword or a feel-good sentiment; it’s the foundation of a successful career.
Fashion, he explained, is “the first line of defense.” While our clothes make a strong first impression, true confidence comes from within. It’s that inner self-assurance that books the jobs, builds the reputation, and keeps clients coming back. Law’s journey hasn’t been easy, and he wanted to remind us that true confidence means knowing who you are at your core—beyond your clothes, beyond any “fake persona.” That was a gut check moment for me. Real talk: this industry loves a quick fix, but if I left with one clear takeaway from Law, it was that confidence is a practice, not a performance.
Insights on the Fashion Industry: Navigating a Close-Knit World
Law didn’t sugarcoat the realities of the fashion world. He shared that the industry can feel closed off and cliquish, with brands often working with the same people for decades. He talked about moving to Los Angeles to learn on his own, building his knowledge client by client, gig by gig. “It’s easy to make friends and enemies,” he said, and in his case, learning the ropes on his own made him resourceful in ways no formal introduction could.
One story that stuck with me was about Celine Dion. During one of their first fittings, she noted that a dress didn’t sit right on her shoulders or waist, and Law hadn’t quite anticipated that feedback. But by the next fitting, he was ready. He instantly adjusted the waist and shoulders, making sure he was ahead of the curve. “You have to look like you’re in control,” he emphasized. That story really struck me, because it’s a reminder that in this industry, it’s all about showing up and proving why you belong in the room.
Making it Big in Chicago—or Not
One question that I—and so many in the audience—had on my mind was whether you can “make it” as a stylist while being based in Chicago. Law’s answer was honest and cut to the point: “It depends on what kind of stylist you want to be.” He explained that Chicago is great if you want to be a “big fish in a small pond.” But if you’re looking to make it on a national or global scale, moving to a bigger market, like LA or New York, may be necessary.
Law’s career took off after he moved to LA, and hearing him talk about it helped clarify my own questions about the future. He quoted his godmother, who told him, “If you’re not in the stadium, you can’t win the game.” The truth of it is that sometimes, if you want bigger opportunities, you have to be physically present in the right spaces. That might mean taking a leap away from home, as hard as that choice can be.
Personal Style: Owning Your Unique Signature
Law also emphasized the importance of having a unique, personal style. “You can’t just scroll through social media, copying trends,” he said. The industry is flooded with sameness, but Law believes that true icons are the ones who embrace their own style. For me, that meant really looking inward and thinking about what defines my own aesthetic and approach.
He talked about his love for boots and how it’s become part of his own signature. I relate to that on so many levels. Our personal quirks—those unique pieces we lean toward—become part of our “brand” as stylists. For me, it’s all about adding subtle but powerful details that elevate any look. Law’s advice here was crystal clear: as stylists, our job is to have a strong, identifiable vision that our clients and audiences can sense and appreciate.
Representation: The Journey of a Black Stylist Breaking Barriers
The evening took on an especially powerful tone when Law shared his experience as a Black man in the fashion industry. From the start, he had his share of doubters—people who didn’t believe a kid from Chicago without industry connections could break into high fashion. But Law’s success speaks for itself.
He explained that seeing other Black creatives succeed is crucial, especially for young Black boys and girls who don’t often see themselves reflected in this industry. “There’s a young Black boy out there who needs to see another Black man thriving in fashion,” he said. It gave me chills, because Law has accomplished so much, and his visibility is a beacon of hope. From styling Zendaya as a teenager to judging on America’s Next Top Model, he’s showing all of us that there’s room for everyone in fashion if we push the doors open wide enough.
Becoming an Icon: Practical Advice for Aspiring Stylists
For anyone looking to enter the industry, Law’s advice was straightforward and actionable. First, define your niche. Are you aiming to work in editorial, TV, runway, or something else? Knowing your area of focus helps you build a portfolio and attracts the right kind of clients. Law added that once you start honing in on who you are as a stylist, your “icon” will find you.
Another key point? “Know the business of fashion,” he urged. “You could be the most creative person in the world, but if you don’t have your business together, it just won’t work.” This means understanding pricing, sourcing, and the logistics that make styling sustainable. So many newcomers enter fashion with a ton of passion but no grasp on the business side, and Law’s words were a reminder that every creative should have a handle on how to manage clients, rates, and resources.
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Audience Engagement: Learning from Every Question
During the Q&A, one question stood out: “Is it too late to change professions?” The woman, around 40, was worried she might be “too old” to break into fashion. Law’s response? “It is NEVER too late for fashion.” The room erupted in cheers, and he went on to share how Vera Wang didn’t launch her bridal line until she was in her 40s. “If you’re passionate about something, why not give it a try?” he asked, hitting on a theme that resonates with so many of us.
This was a turning point for me, too. Law’s words reminded me that passion doesn’t have an expiration date, and that there’s room for late bloomers in every field, including fashion.
My Takeaway: Defining Success on Your Own Terms
Walking out of Thalia Hall that night, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. Law’s message of confidence, resilience, and authenticity left me with a roadmap I hadn’t quite expected. His words, “stand on business,” kept replaying in my mind—a reminder that our careers are a personal investment, and it’s up to us to build them with integrity and confidence.
For anyone pursuing a creative dream, Law Roach’s journey is a powerful example that success starts from within. His story, from a young stylist from Chicago to an international icon, shows that with the right mindset and work ethic, we can all build something meaningful.
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