Law Roach is doing the Met Gala a little bit differently this year. In 2024, the legendary image architect broke the internet by styling Zendaya in not one, but two, incredible looks that perfectly captured the theme “The Garden of Time.” For this year’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Roach is taking on an even bigger challenge—partnering with Burberry to personally curate its table in an intimately collaborative project.
“I think it came from a place of integrity and honesty,” Roach tells ELLE exclusively. “[Burberry] wanted to partner with someone who could weigh in on the nuances of Black style and what it means to be Black in America.”
Roach explains, “The process started with me sending in a lot of references and having a lot of conversations with Daniel and the [Burberry] team.” From there, they began curating their guest list. Roach was intentional about assembling a diverse group of creatives, selecting celebrities across artistic disciplines and generations. The final table includes Angela Bassett, Jodie Turner-Smith, Cardi B, Met Gala committee member André 3000, model Liu Wen, ballet star Roberto Bolle, NFL Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts—whom Roach affectionately calls “a dandy in the making”—and his wife, Bryonna Hurts.
The collaboration was incredibly hands-on. “I was involved in the sketching and the inspiration for each of the guests,” Roach says. “I’ve been in every single fitting.”
The process drew deeply from Roach’s extensive fashion expertise and his personal history growing up in Chicago. As a child, he learned early on that style could be a powerful social tool—being well-dressed often meant instant popularity and a sense of belonging. For the soft-spoken young Roach, fashion became both a form of self-expression and a kind of armor.
“There was this really famous pimp, Bishop Don ‘Magic’ Juan, who people knew all around Chicago for wearing green and gold and driving his green Cadillac with gold tires,” Roach recalls. His uncle explained that Don Juan was “peacocking”—using bold, attention-grabbing style to command space and signify status. Roach vividly remembers the oversized diamond rings Juan wore: “Even though I didn’t know what that was at the time, that was something special. That was something loud. That was something outspoken. That was something courageous.”
The influence of Black fashion has often been overlooked in the broader industry, but Roach’s work is a testament to its profound impact. During a fitting for his own Met Gala look, he noticed that the cuffs of his shirt weren’t quite right. With a knowing smile, he quipped, “I said no, no, no. I want it to look like Prince.” The room instantly understood the reference.
After all, Prince created a style legacy that continues to shape cultural memory. His bold, boundary-pushing fashion choices—whether or not the public fully grasped the term “dandy” at the time—left an indelible mark on the way we think about masculinity and style. Roach’s own journey in fashion is a reflection of this influence, with its roots in the power and significance of Black style.
For Roach, styling is about more than just putting together a look—it’s about using fabric and color to enhance a person’s natural essence, creating an outfit that elevates their personality without overwhelming them with an uncomfortable piece. Dandyism, he notes, isn’t confined to just suiting; it’s a broader philosophy of dressing that balances extravagance with refinement in a way that demands respect.
The references for each ensemble Roach curated were deeply rooted in Black culture and history. He drew inspiration from the La Sape movement in the Congo, where dressing with precision and flair is a form of self-expression and pride. He also looked to the Harlem Renaissance, nodding to iconic figures like Cab Calloway in his zoot suit, and of course, André Leon Talley, whose influence on fashion and Black style continues to resonate.
Each ensemble seamlessly blends Roach’s expertise with Edwardian influences drawn from Burberry’s British countryside-inspired winter 2025 runway. Angela Bassett made a striking appearance in a velvet jacquard tuxedo cape, paired with a sharp waistcoat and side-striped tuxedo trousers. The look’s refined austerity was beautifully counterbalanced by bohemian flourishes, including a daringly transparent black top and fringe leather pumps, adding a touch of playful rebellion. André 3000 drew from a wide repertoire of Black style throughout the American music industry by sporting a bespoke boiler suit and a baby grand piano, which was crafted by Pink Sparrow, strapped to his back.
Meanwhile, Cardi B’s look approached tailoring with extreme cinching and a subversive flair. The silhouette was first inspired by flipping traditional 19th century dress codes. The floral print and beaded details Roach elaborates, “There’s also a female counterpart to the dandy—the quaintrelle. I think of someone like Cardi B, Mae West, and Jayne Mansfield, and those women with those bodies. Everything’s perfectly tailored. The waist is perfectly tiny.”
Even with each ensemble reflecting the individuality of its wearer, Roach was intentional about crafting a unified visual narrative—in his words, a “Burberry Gang.” Despite the range of silhouettes, references, and personalities, the looks shared a common language—refined tailoring, rich textures, and a quiet confidence that tied them all together.
You Might Also Like
-
The 15 Best Organic And Clean Shampoos For Any And All Hair Types
-
100 Gifts That Are $50 Or Under (And Look Way More Expensive Than They Actually Are)
