Why won’t Zendaya wear these ‘big five’ fashion brands?
Navigating the Fashion Elite: Zendaya's Stylist Unveils Red Carpet Snubs
Delving into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of celebrity fashion, Zendaya's stylist, Law Roach, sheds light on the initial resistance from high-end fashion brands to dress the star for red carpet events. Despite her skyrocketing fame, the journey to haute couture acceptance was fraught with dismissals from the industry's most coveted designers, a narrative that reveals as much about the fashion world as it does about the resilience of Zendaya and her team.Unveiling the Untold Story of Fashion's Elite and Their Gatekeeping Against a Rising Star
The Revelation of Red Carpet Rebuffs
In an eye-opening discussion on 'The Cutting Room Floor' podcast, Law Roach divulged a series of rejections from the upper echelons of fashion's hierarchy. These revelations have cast a spotlight on the often opaque selection process of who gets to wear the most prestigious labels on the red carpet.
Roach's candid conversation peeled back the curtain on an industry that, at times, can be as exclusive as it is glamorous, highlighting the challenges faced by newcomers to the scene.
The 'Big Five' Fashion Houses and Their Initial Refusals
It was a quintet of fashion's most illustrious names—Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino, and Dior—that stood as the gatekeepers to the world of high fashion. These titans of style were unmoved by Zendaya's rising star, citing reasons from her being 'too green' to not aligning with their meticulously planned schedules.
Their reluctance to collaborate with Zendaya, as shared by Roach, underscores the stringent criteria and exclusivity that these brands maintain, which often leaves burgeoning talents on the sidelines.
The Persistence of a Stylist and the Receipts to Prove It
Undeterred by the string of rejections, Roach's tenacity is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his client. He recounts the numerous attempts to engage with these fashion powerhouses, only to be met with polite refusals and promises of 'maybe next year.'
His determination, paired with a collection of correspondences that serve as proof of these early dismissals, paints a picture of a relentless pursuit of recognition within an industry that is slow to embrace new entrants.
The Vogue Milestone and Continued Brand Boycott
Despite the setbacks, a defining moment came when Zendaya graced the cover of American Vogue in 2017. This achievement was a significant milestone, yet it was marked by the fact that she had not donned any creations from the 'big five'—a deliberate choice that has persisted to this day.
Roach's reflections on this period highlight a strategic decision to move beyond the brands that once overlooked Zendaya, a move that speaks volumes about the power dynamics at play in the fashion industry.
The Lasting Effects of Early Career Rejections
The impact of those initial rejections has had a lasting effect, as Roach and Zendaya continue to navigate the fashion landscape with a sense of independence and self-determination. The stylist's philosophy of 'once a no, always a no' encapsulates their stance on brand partnerships and the importance of mutual respect.
This approach has not only shaped Zendaya's red carpet appearances but also serves as a broader commentary on the evolving relationship between celebrities and fashion brands in an age where personal brand and integrity are paramount.
