Law Roach returns to Chicago to discuss his fashion journey and book

On September 29, image architect Law Roach visited his hometown of Chicago to talk with Chicago Humanities and sign his book How to build a fashion icon. The South Side native showed off the who’s who of the Chicago fashion world with her best styles.

In an exclusive interview with developingLaw shared the inspiration behind the book, his mission to increase diversity in fashion and his Chicago roots.

What inspired you to write this book and what do you want people to take away from it?

When I retired, I needed something creative to do. I also needed something that would allow me to serve people in a different way than I had for the past decade. Many of my clients have shared how I helped them build self-confidence. I thought (I can) share this, share this talent and this gift with everyday people, everyday women, everyday men, to help them achieve the highest level of self-confidence, where it just makes their lives easier. So that’s what this book is about. That was the reason I wrote it.

You’ve often been credited with being more diverse and represented on the red carpet. How do you plan to continue to promote this inclusivity in fashion?

I did (it) and there are many people who followed me and are still fighting to keep those doors open and open new ones. I have always said that although I did many things first, I never planned to be last. I think a lot of people who have been touched or inspired by my story and my movement just keep it going. This makes me proud. I can fight from another place.

You have styled the biggest names in the world. How do you approach creating a look that reflects the client’s personality, but also your own vision as a stylist?

The plan was to get to know them inside and find out who they wanted to be and never try to change anyone. Always try to help them become their most sublime. You want the most heightened version of who you already are. This has always been a goal for me.

How did growing up in Chicago influence your approach to fashion and your personal sense of style?

Everything about me is encoded in Chicago. We grew up looking at guys on the street and that was our introduction to luxury, and also at the beginning of hip-hop when we saw fashion and the street come together. I am a child of that era. I have used all of these things in my career and used them to build and shape my legacy.

You know, I forgot to ask you one important question, what high school did you go to?

I went to Harlan.

So what can you say to Harlan’s 2025 graduates who want to pursue their dreams?

Just believe in yourself. I know it sounds cliché. It’s self-belief. Always think of the little engine that can. As he kept saying: “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. And then, you know, he finally did it. Whenever you need to reset and refocus, be the little engine and do it. Believe in yourself.

Please see some photos in the gallery below.