Law Roach is one of the most influential people in the fashion world today. He studied Psychology, but soon discovered that he liked the language of fashion more than the blah blah blah, and on top of that, it turned out that he was so good at it that in record time he was assisting Hollywood stars with their styles. He was responsible for the rebirth of Céline Dion and made Anya Taylor-Joy shine at the 2021 Golden Globes (with the most beautiful look the actress has been seen in to date, by the way). But among all, he had a very particular crush on one: Zendaya, who calls him "my fashion soulmate."
So Law Roach left everything behind and dedicated himself to what is now his full-time job (with few exceptions), Zendaya, to the great dismay of many potential clients in love with his ability to create unforgettable looks, the most viral among the viral in an era where success is measured in likes rather than applause or compliments.
The thing is that Law Roach has found time somewhere to write a book -"How to Build a Fashion Icon". La Esfera de los Libros- where he strives to convince us that any of us can emulate his successes in terms of successful looks. The book is a mix of autobiography and self-help manual that magically transforms (or has the capacity to transform, at least) into a style guide. It's not so much about choosing a skirt or pants, or between green and blue, as it is about self-discovery, self-love, and daring to take risks.
So one of the attitudes that constitute the gravity center of the book is self-confidence. That which is transmitted to clothing and, oh miracle, the appropriate clothing also gives back to the one who wears it. That confidence is what allows you to dress as you really are, or believe you are, and not to be invisible, explains this expert in creating impact through clothing who affirms that "good taste is a myth" and that "the only thing that truly exists is personal taste."
Here are ten key points of his message for "designing our attitude" with the one who boasts of being the only "image architect" in the world.
1. Self-confidence is key. And it can be forged, according to the stylist, it is neither innate nor ever too late to build it. "Forging confidence is a gradual process that involves knowing yourself, practicing, and accepting yourself as you are." Clothing, Roach explains, "is a beautiful, fun, and entertaining way to show the world who you are. But the confidence you bring is what changes everything. And remember: 'Wear the clothes, don't let them wear you'."
2. Internalize that what you wear is a language. "Consider your style as your visual personality. It's your way of showing up in the world, so being aware of the energy and vibration that are the essence of your personality is a very important part of that process. This happens in two ways: style is not only about communicating something to others, but it is also used to communicate or affirm things to your inner self. It doesn't matter what others think of a garment hanging in your closet; if you feel something when you wear it, you will transmit it when you wear it."
3. Review your photo archive. Law Roach proposes a kind of 'self-examination' through four steps. To start, he suggests reviewing your photo archive and noting the sensations it produces, how you see yourself, with your heart on your sleeve. The idea is to honestly discover the relationship you have with your clothes, and especially the positive emotions that certain garments or looks evoke in you.
4. Dive into your closet. Secondly, the stylist suggests going into your closet and trying everything on to detect how you look in it and what emotions it evokes in you. He also suggests going to a store and repeating the process to discover which garments make you feel better and why, without considering "the rules you've heard."
5. Find your 'little black dress'. The third step is to find your 'little black dress', that is, the heroic garment or garments you have in your closet. "It is important to find your classic and personal garment. It may be something as amazingly simple as a little black dress or an oversized white shirt. It's something you know you feel comfortable in and that looks good on you." These types of garments, Roach writes, "are invaluable." They will always be there, even when you can't decide what to wear, basically.
6. Add a powerful garment. "Although your little black dress is just a garment you feel comfortable in and is probably versatile enough to wear frequently, your powerful garment is something that stirs strong emotions in you." It is in these garments, the stylist recounts, that you can "lean on when you need a boost for your confidence. Search high and low for the silhouette you can put on when you wake up and don't feel your best, so that the process of putting it on immediately lifts your mood and reminds you of who you are."
7. Free yourself from fear. A stylist friend recently told me that Spanish snobs were not very fond of taking risks in dressing because they were afraid. Afraid of rejection, of being excluded from their group. That's why they all seem to dress in uniforms. Roach devotes ample space in his book to the need to lose fear if one wants to develop their own style. "The trap of security is that being a confident person does not make fear disappear," he writes. The recommendations he provides in his book to overcome this obstacle range from recognizing the causes, repeating positive affirmations, seeking support in your community, staying in the present (because often fear resides in the future), challenging yourself, being kind to yourself, or being consistent.
8. Stop comparing yourself to others. Because, Roach explains, only then "will you begin to see that everyone has their own identity. You will celebrate what makes you different instead of striving to fit in. You will learn that good style is a myth, that the only thing that truly exists is personal style. And remember that you can't please everyone. Instead of worrying about what others think, focus on what you have to say."
9. Find your inspiration. Instead of leaving the choice of your wardrobe or your look to bottomless chance, it is much more solid to rely on stories, eras, personalities, or characters that inspire you. Roach insists throughout the book on the importance of reading a lot and being curious and discovering new worlds (call them environments, people, or situations).
10. Be honest, not destructive. With the characteristics of your body. "We can't expect to feel one hundred percent secure with our bodies at all times. Loving yourself means recognizing when you might not feel so secure and allowing yourself the grace and time to make adjustments. Be compassionate with yourself. Everyone has moments of doubt and insecurity. Instead of criticizing yourself on those occasions, grant yourself the same kindness and understanding you would give to a friend or loved one. You deserve it."