Zendaya’s Stylist Calls Out 'Big 5' Fashion Brands Who Refused To Dress Her

Zendaya and fashion are a match made in heaven. Her commanding appearance at the 2024 Met Gala in back-to-back four designer gowns was proof enough. But in a recent revelation by the actress’ stylist Law Roach, big fashion brands were initially reluctant to work with the Dune star during the beginning years of her career. Taking the names of prominent labels, the celebrity stylist disclosed that they were firmly hesitant to showcase their designs on Zendaya, even labelling her as ‘too green’ for their outfits.

Law Roach engaged in an interview with The Cutting Room Floor podcast on April 22, which was released nearly two weeks after the Met Gala 2024 on May 9. In the interaction, Zendaya’s long-time stylist spilt the challenges he faced to urge popular luxury fashion brands to work with the Hollywood actress early in her profession. “I would write the big five. I would write Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, Dior, and they would all say, ‘No, try again next year. She’s too green,” said Roach. Back then, he warned the fashion houses that if they rejected his client it would be a “no forever”. And the 45-year-old stayed true to his words for a “long, long time.”

Law Roach continued that he kept “all the receipts” from the five luxury labels. “By the time she had got to American Vogue, she still had never worn any of those designers — she still hasn’t,” he added. Elaborating on the point, the American stylist said that Zendaya might have donned these designer costumes for an editorial, but never for a red carpet. “She still has never worn Dior on a carpet. She still has never worn Chanel on a carpet. She has still never worn Gucci on a carpet. Any press, any appearance, never.” Even the time when she chose a Valentino attire for a public outing, it was forged through a contract, Roach confirmed.

Zendaya brought alive the dark feminine allure at the Met Gala this year. Her first OOTD was an emerald green and electric blue Maison Margiela gown, followed by a vintage Givenchy one, and a Celia Kritharioti-tailored white gown later on. She wrapped her style file by slipping into a grey maxi dress by Loewe at the after-party.