Of all his memorable looks, those involving retro take the top spot. Roach’s love for retro is palpable. He’s especially good at sourcing archival red carpet gowns and making them feel completely fresh. “It takes more work and creativity to do vintage, but I always like to live in that era,” Roach said. “People ask me, ‘How are you going to modernize it,’ and I’m like, ‘Do we have to do this?’ Whether it’s with 1920 or 1986, a good dress is a good dress.” In June, he designed a Zendaya from 1998 in a striking Bob Mackie gown; he also wore a Chanel 1986 Fall for Bella Hadid at this year’s Cannes Film Festival Foam dress from the collection. “Bella is one of the trend-setting girls—she’s very into retro in her everyday life,” says Roach, adding that it also has an ecological advantage. “The easiest way to be more sustainable is to wear clothes that others have already worn.”
Celine Dion in Balenciaga dress and Saint Laurent jacket
Photo: Getty Images 1998
Bella Hadid( Bella Hadid) wearing vintage Chanel from fall Photo: Getty Images
but in addition to his list of top-notch clients , Roach has also become a fashion star in his own right this year. As recently as last fashion month, he was front row at all the top catwalk shows, including Valentino, Balmain and Salvatore Ferragamo – always offering a bold ensemble that could even blend with the room Comparable to the biggest actors or models. He describes his style as never trying. “I try to be light, easy and lazy — but also stylish,” Roach said. “I do a lot of high and low combinations: I’ll wear Target’s sweatpants, but with a great bag, watch, and shoes.” Lately, his wardrobe staples are centered on two fall and winter staples in particular: A classic white shirt and a long skirt. “I like to wear very cheap, oversized white button-up shirts,” Roach said. “I bought it in bundles from Amazon. White shirts always give a chic and clean feel.”
