Law Roach Retires As a Stylist But Comes Back To Walk the Runway

One of Hollywood's most respected and creative stylists has officially retired, but not from the entire fashion industry. Law Roach has been a stylist for a while now and has put his name on the map, but last week he used Instagram to announce that he was officially retiring as a stylist. However, during the Boss Spring/Summer 2023 show, we saw an appearance from Roach, but this time he was on the runway.

Photo: Sean Zanni via Elle

Roach has always been one to be more behind the scenes, which makes sense as he was a stylist. During an interview with Vogue about his retirement and the launch of his career as a runway model, he described himself as a storyteller. “At the core of it, and I say this all the time, I am a storyteller. And I just use the clothes as the words, right?” His work as a stylist is so much more than clothes, he wants there to be meaning behind his editorial work to express what he wants to say. 

When Roach was the one styled behind the scenes, it was definitely a different experience for him. However, since he has worked with so many professionals in the modeling industry and with his knowledge as a stylist, he knew what to do. He knew he was not there to be styled but for the stylist to dress him and he would bring the clothes to life on the water-filled runway. During his interview, he mentioned he drew from his work with Naomi Campbell. She was always a very professional and respectful client as she would not ask to wear something, but ask what he wants her to wear and anything special to help emphasize the beauty of the clothes. 

Photo: Hugo Boss via Women’s Wear Daily

She was also steady in his mind while he walked down the runway. As one of the industry's most famous and iconic models, she is definitely one to look up to. When asked about the challenge of the runway and everything it comes with, he simply answers, “I don’t think I have any challenges, [. . .] it’s literally a dream.” He has such a confident mindset and was having the time of his life while modeling the Boss garments.

Photo: Christian Vierig via elle

With his retirement announcement, came an overwhelming amount of love. Everyone was contacting him and saying that they love his work and will be devastated that his styling will not be as frequent on the red carpets now. However, he accomplished all his goals of being a stylist. He did what he wanted to do, change lives, and now he is moving on. The retirement post is about giving himself room to do more with his life and continue his legacy in different ways. 

Roach said that he greatly appreciates Boss expanding their view of him and looking at him also as a model and not only a stylist. They started his runway career and he is so thankful for that because, in my opinion, this is only the start of Law Roach, the runway model.