Everyone needs a fashion BFF who is going to steer them in the right direction.
For you, that might be a sister, a partner or a salesperson at a favourite boutique. For celebrities, that person is often a stylist who helps them get red carpet-ready and supplies outfits for talk shows and other special appearances.
But a stylist is much more than a personal shopper who knows their client’s sizes and preferences. The best ones help craft a visual identity and create viral moments. And right now, no one is doing that more than Law Roach. Our cover star is currently the “image architect”—a term he coined—for Celine Dion, Megan Thee Stallion, Bella Hadid, Halsey, Tom Holland, Kerry Washington and so many more. On top of that, he styled 32 magazine covers plus ad campaigns for Valentino and Bulgari last year alone. So, who does the hottest stylist in the world turn to for advice? When Roach suggested that Zendaya style him for his cover shoot, you can imagine our response: “Uh…YES!!” And while she couldn’t be on-set due to filming Dune: Part 2 in Hungary, she was involved every step of the way, even approving final looks and making suggestions via video on shoot day. Annika Lautens, our fashion news director, includes the story of how Roach and Zendaya came to be so tight in “Law of Attraction” (page 76). We also learn that despite becoming a star in his own right, thanks to his role as a judge on the hit HBO Max ballroom competition show, Legendary (available on Crave), Roach is unexpectedly down-to-earth. “Give me a Walmart sweatsuit and fuzzy socks and I’m good,” he tells Lautens.
As part of our spotlight on stylists for this issue (starting on page 25), our team looked at the profession from a variety of angles. Most tellingly, digital writer Natalie Michie’s scrutiny of TikTok style hacks (“Trick or Treat,” page 28) highlights the difference between professionals and pretenders. A perfect example of a pro move is the one that stylist Tara Swennen helped craft for Kristen Stewart for a dinner after the Chanel Cruise show in Monaco (“At Ease,” page 40). The actor looked both comfortable and chic in a white one-piece swimsuit and black mesh skirt. In fact, the whole evening had a chill vibe and felt more like a family gathering than a brand event. It was held at the elegant Villa La Vigie, where Karl Lagerfeld spent many summers, and Princess Caroline was among those who listened to her daughter Charlotte Casiraghi speak so poignantly about her family’s friendship with Lagerfeld and current designer Virginie Viard.
On another note, this issue is full of coats, including a roundup of designs that might inspire you to step out in a new statement look (“Outer Edge,” page 64). Should you need a second opinion on what you’re considering and don’t have a professional stylist on retainer, shoot me an email or DM. Helping other people spend money is a skill I’ve become quite good at.