Law Roach's 'How to Build a Fashion Icon' Gives Readers a Major Lesson in Confidence

Alyssa Hardy
·4 min read

Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Law Roach is arguably one of the most recognizable people in fashion, but that didn't happen by accident. The self-proclaimed image architect worked tirelessly to forge his own path in fashion, working with celebrities like Zendaya and using fashion as a mechanism for storytelling on the red carpet and beyond.

Now, he's spilling all of the secrets that helped him get there plus, giving readers advice that he's learned how to find your confidence, style and so much more.

In this exclusive excerpt from his new book HOW TO BUILD A FASHION ICON: Notes of Confidence from the World’s Only Image Architect, Law Roach discusses how letting go of comparison can change the way you approach style.

How To Build a Fashion Icon is available on October 2.

When you let go of the comparison game, you’ll realize that everyone else has their own identity, so there really is no point in comparing. You will start to celebrate what makes you different rather than strive to fit in. You will learn that good style is a myth, and that the only thing that truly exists is personal style. And remember, you can’t please everyone. Instead of worrying about what other people think, focus on what you have to say.

Constantly comparing oneself to others, especially on social media where you have no context, can lead to feelings of inadequacy or inferiority. The pressure to meet these false standards set by others can be overwhelming, causing unnecessary stress. Embracing your individuality and unique qualities is truly the best antidote for comparison. You’re already on your own path, doing your own thing. Focus on your own goals and self-discovery so that there is no time to worry about what anyone else is doing.

For me, because of my own gateway into fashion, it could have been easy to compare myself to every other stylist. I could have wallowed in not having connections with major fashion houses. I could have complained about people telling us no because I represented a lot of Black girls or women who weren’t sample size. But instead, I embraced it all and used it to push my success.

If big names weren’t going to lend clothes to me, I had no problem in sourcing exciting young designers to put on my clients. It’s the same thing I did at Deliciously Vintage—if it was a show-stopping look, who cared who the designer was? And better yet, it was an opportunity to share our platform with a community of creatives and help boost their businesses. Before we knew it, everyone wanted to know about this new, young designer who made these looks.

I also found myself going back to my vintage roots. I say this as humbly as possible, but no working stylist was putting vintage garments on the red carpet like I was. No one. I’ve been putting my clients in vintage since the very beginning of my career, a lot of it out of my own personal archive. In an industry that’s constantly talking about how to be more sustainable, this seemed to me to be the ultimate in sustainability.

In 2022, I did some work with the global supermodel Bella Hadid—I think she actually came to me because she saw my talents pulling from the archives. Most of what I put her in for and around Cannes that year was vintage: a 1959 dress by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior; a black gown from Gianni Versace’s Spring 1987 collection; a gorgeous, slinky gown from Donatella’s Fall 2001 Versace collection for a Chopard event; as well as a fun black-and-white look from Karl Lagerfeld’s Fall 1986 Chanel collection. While it’s more

common to see young designers or vintage looks on the red carpet these days, I started doing it because those were my own personal skills. This is what made me an individual and unique from other stylists at the time.

Life unfolds at a different pace for everyone. Your experiences, opportunities, and challenges are distinct from those of your peers. While someone may seem to have it all together or be on a different path, you just never know the circumstances of their life. The accomplishments you achieve in your twenties do not necessarily determine your future success or happiness. People often reach significant milestones at various times in their lives. Comparing your progress to others can create not only unnecessary pressure and impatience but stifle personal growth, harm emotional well-being, and hinder the pursuit of one’s authentic self.

Embracing the uniqueness of your journey, understanding the unpredictable nature of timelines, and fostering positive relationships are all compelling reasons to resist the urge to compare yourself to others. Any moment can be a period of self-discovery, growth, and fulfillment. Take a step back, focus on your individual path, and appreciate the beauty of your unique journey without constantly measuring it against others. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Excerpt from the new book How to Build a Fashion Icon: Notes on Confidence by Law Roach published by Abrams Image

© 2024 Law Roach

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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