A new tale of a new Cinderella
- Mariane Morais

- 25 de jun. de 2024
- 4 min de leitura

Zendaya and Law Roach are, as the saying goes, a match made in fashion heaven!
A fairy tale is not just about beautiful dresses and magic wands, but requires a captivating story, an inspiring protagonist, and a good dose of fantasy. All these requirements are more than fulfilled by two great names, Zendaya and Law Roach, who turn the red carpet into a stage for imagination to flow, leading one to believe that there is indeed magic.
Our protagonist is Zendaya, a 27-year-old American actress, best known for her work in the series Euphoria - winning 2 Emmys for her role as Rue Bennet - and in the new Spider-Man trilogy. Her career began on the Disney Channel, starring in the series Shake It Up and K.C. Undercover, establishing a close connection and a 'girl next door' aesthetic with Gen Z.
The fairy godmother of this tale, so to speak, is Law Roach, who describes himself as an image architect (the term stylist doesn't quite capture his level of expertise). Originally from Chicago, since 2011 he has been linking Zendaya's image to fashion in its purest and most original concept. In an interview with fashion guide Who What Wear, Roach commented, "You know you've created an iconic look when people dress up as it for Halloween." Indeed, several looks from the duo are sources of inspiration and continue to be replicated and tied to pop culture.
It cannot be ignored that, in influencing the new generation, both do so masterfully, combining fashion with various causes that deserve attention. For example, in 2015, Zendaya attended her first Oscars deliberately wearing dreadlocks. There is much to reflect upon regarding this visual statement:
being present at one of the most competitive and exclusive events in the world, with a hairstyle that carries stigma and negative stereotypes, and redefining it to display it with pride and confidence;
making it clear that hairstyles associated with black culture and history represent what is beautiful;
promoting, through representation, a powerful and positive image for many others who embrace wearing dreadlocks. In an interview with W Magazine, Zendaya stated, "That’s how change happens.".
Roach and Zendaya form a very cohesive creative partnership that aligns with the identity of the events they attend. Just as they did at the world premiere of Dune - Part II. Clad in original Thierry Mugler armor from the Cirque d'hiver collection, titled Machinenmensch, from 1995, their choice became another instant classic of the duo.

The selection of pieces masterfully encapsulates the tone to be followed and demonstrates how attire and accessories are not merely about aesthetics for aesthetics' sake; they are agents of broader impact, moving conversations about art, culture, politics, and technology through their widespread popularity and accessibility.
This was evident at the 78th Venice Film Festival, where Zendaya, under Roach's curation, wore an original Balmain. The leather dress appeared to behave like liquid, almost a second skin on the actress. The 93-carat emerald necklace by Bulgari also stood out for its complementary tone.

hrough this viral look, the technique used during the process was discovered: a 3D bust, custom-made from the actress's measurements, transforming it into a mannequin. Leather was applied directly onto the mold, using manual techniques to achieve the wet-look effect, a case that has evolved current fashion technological and creative processes.
Law Roach makes it clear that he cannot be replicated. For Them platform, he firmly states:
"I am the only Image Architect in the world, darling, because I do own the trademark,” Roach sneers. “I'm just waiting for someone to try to use my title so I can send a cease-and-desist letter. "
And indeed, Roach lives up to his word. For the Metropolitan Museum of Art event - the Met Gala - the image architect brings the necessary drama to the occasion. Initially, Zendaya wore Maison Margiela, inspired by Dior under John Galliano's direction in 1999, complemented by veteran makeup artist Pat Mcgrath. As any good hostess would, the actress surprised on the red carpet once again, this time in a Givenchy from 1996, paired with a floral headpiece by Philip Treacy, to close the night of flashes.

Despite announcing retirement, Roach will not disappear from the public eye anytime soon. Even though he remains strong, the surreal synergy with Zendaya is not his only project. His contribution to the fashion world also extends to singer Céline Dion, who underwent an image rebranding through his consultancy.

In conclusion, it is clear that this fairy tale is far from over. And the modern Cinderella, with her fairy godmother, has much more than a blue dress and a glass slipper to secure her place in the pantheon of classics.
Source
BERNARDINO, Carla. Zendaya robótica com peça histórica com quase 30 anos. Disponível em: https://www.delas.pt/zendaya-robotica-com-peca-historica-com-quase-30-anos-mugler-dune/moda/966191/
CUBY, Michael. Now List 2020: Law Roach Doesn't Mince His Words, Or His Style. Disponível em: https://www.them.us/story/now-list-2020-law-roach-celebrity-stylist-interview
FFW. ZENDAYA E SEU SEGUNDO LOOK PARA O MET GALA 2024. Disponível em: https://ffw.uol.com.br/noticias/red-carpet/zendaya-e-seu-segundo-look-para-o-met-gala-2024/
HESKIN, Laureen. You will not believe how they made THAT Zendaya Balmain dress. Disponível em: https://www.image.ie/style/zendaya-balmain-leather-dress-302076
JUNQUEIRA, Gabriela. Zendaya revela como vestido icônico usado em red carpet foi feito. Disponível em: https://capricho.abril.com.br/moda/zendaya-revela-como-vestido-iconico-usado-em-red-carpet-foi-feito
LEGARDYE, Quinci. Zendaya's Wet-Look Balmain Gown Fits Like a Second Skin. Disponível em: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/celebrity/latest/a37480321/zendaya-leather-balmain-gown-second-skin/




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