Celebrity stylist Law Roach has made a surprising career announcement that represents a significant departure from his traditional behind-the-scenes role in the fashion industry. The Chicago native, who has built his reputation creating show-stopping looks for some of entertainment’s biggest names, is stepping into an entirely new arena that will showcase his expertise in an unprecedented way.
The move comes as Roach seeks to expand his influence within the fashion world while maintaining the authenticity and organic career development that has characterized his professional journey. This new opportunity allows him to demonstrate aspects of his personality and fashion knowledge that have rarely been visible to public audiences during his celebrity styling work.
Television expansion builds on reality competition experience
Roach will join the judging panel for the 21st season of Project Runway, premiering July 31, 2025, across Disney Plus, Freeform, and Hulu platforms. The appointment represents what he describes as a full-circle moment, given his longtime admiration for the competition series and its impact on fashion television programming.
The stylist brings extensive reality television experience to his new role, having previously served as a judge on HBO Max’s Legendary and made guest appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race. These experiences have allowed him to develop his on-camera presence while showcasing the quick-witted and dynamic personality that differs significantly from his professional styling persona.
His familiarity with competition formats and ability to evaluate creative talent under pressure make him a valuable addition to the Project Runway format, where designers face intense challenges to create innovative garments within strict time constraints.
Distinguished panel reflects fashion industry expertise
Roach joins an established lineup that includes returning host Heidi Klum, mentor Christian Siriano, and Elle Editor-In-Chief Nina Garcia. His personal connections with these industry veterans add special significance to the appointment, particularly his relationship with Siriano, whose Project Runway victory Roach witnessed as a viewer years ago.
The panel combination represents diverse perspectives within the fashion industry, from editorial expertise to mentorship experience and now celebrity styling insights. Roach’s background creating red carpet moments for high-profile clients brings a unique viewpoint to evaluating emerging designer talent and commercial viability.
His styling portfolio includes work with Zendaya, Jeremy Pope, Angela Bassett, Cardi B, and André 3000, demonstrating his ability to adapt fashion concepts to different personalities and public platforms. This experience translating designer pieces into memorable celebrity moments provides valuable insight for assessing contestant creativity and market potential.
Fashion competition format appeals to industry perspective
Roach has emphasized the distinction between Project Runway’s fashion-focused competition and other reality shows that incorporate fashion elements alongside broader entertainment concepts. He views Project Runway as fundamentally centered on fashion design and construction skills, rather than general talent showcase programming.
This perspective aligns with his professional background, where technical fashion knowledge and aesthetic vision directly translate to successful celebrity styling outcomes. His appreciation for the show’s design-centered approach suggests he will prioritize craftsmanship and innovation when evaluating contestant submissions.
The format allows him to engage with emerging designers who may represent the next generation of fashion industry leaders, potentially discovering talent comparable to established names like Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs who have shaped contemporary fashion landscapes.
Career evolution maintains organic development approach
The Project Runway appointment reflects Roach’s broader career philosophy of pursuing opportunities that develop naturally rather than forcing strategic positioning within the entertainment industry. He has expressed interest in exploring additional scripted television roles while continuing his celebrity styling work with clients who authentically fit his aesthetic vision.
His approach emphasizes maintaining genuine connections and artistic integrity rather than pursuing fame or visibility for its own sake. This perspective suggests his judging role will focus on supporting emerging talent rather than using the platform primarily for personal brand development.
The television opportunity also provides a venue for expressing personality aspects that remain largely hidden during his professional styling work, where client needs and red carpet success take precedence over personal expression.
