Zendaya's red-carpet wardrobe may be one of the most closely watched in fashion, but several major luxury houses remain off limits. Stylist Law Roach has revealed that, despite moving on from some of his own fashion grudges, he still has no plans to put Zendaya in designs from Dior, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino or Saint Laurent for public appearances.
The revelation comes after Roach admitted that he has 'outgrown' his tendency to hold grudges. However, when the conversation turned to Zendaya and the luxury brands that once rejected her early in her career, his position was considerably less forgiving. The stylist made clear that his personal feelings may have changed, but the unofficial red-carpet boycott remains.
Why Zendaya Still Avoids The 'Big Five'
Roach has previously explained that the decision dates back to the early years of his relationship with Zendaya, who he began styling when she was just 14.
According to the stylist, he contacted several of fashion's biggest houses to request looks for the young star. Instead of being welcomed, he said he was repeatedly told that Zendaya was too inexperienced and that the brands were not ready to work with her.
Roach recalled being told to 'try again next year' because she was 'too green' and was not on the brands' schedules. He has also said that he kept records of those exchanges.
The fashion houses he identified were Saint Laurent, Chanel, Gucci, Valentino and Dior. Together, they became known in his telling as the 'Big Five', and their absence from Zendaya's red-carpet wardrobe has since become one of the more intriguing rules surrounding her style.
Importantly, this does not mean Zendaya has never worn clothing from those labels. Roach has previously clarified that she has appeared in their designs for editorial shoots. The distinction is that these labels have largely remained absent from her public red-carpet appearances.
Law Roach Says He Has Changed
During a recent appearance on Ziwe Fumudoh's podcast, Roach was asked about the long-running boycott and whether his feelings towards the luxury houses had softened.
His answer suggested that his personal approach to fashion has evolved.
'I think that there is an importance of being petty, but I've outgrown my pettiness,' Roach said. 'I think that holding grudges makes you ugly, so in my quest to become more beautiful, I've released some of the grudges that I held.'
There was a particularly telling detail behind the comment. Roach was wearing Saint Laurent during the conversation, suggesting that he is no longer opposed to the brand for himself.
But when asked whether Zendaya would also wear any of the previously excluded labels, his response was much more definite: no. That distinction is crucial. Roach may have moved past the personal slight, but he appears to believe Zendaya's red-carpet wardrobe should still operate by a different set of rules.
Zendaya's Red-Carpet Strategy Has Moved Beyond Logos
The boycott has not stopped Zendaya from becoming one of Hollywood's most influential fashion figures. In fact, her partnership with Roach has increasingly centred on storytelling rather than simply securing the biggest luxury label. The pair have become known for method dressing, creating looks that connect directly with the films and characters she is promoting.
For Spider-Man: Brand New Day, her appearances have incorporated spider-inspired details, while The Odyssey press tour has leaned into references to the ancient Greek world and her character Athena.
That approach has allowed Zendaya to build a distinctive fashion identity without relying on the same handful of luxury houses dominating celebrity dressing.
Her recent appearances have included designers such as Schiaparelli, with one standout couture look drawing particular attention after appearing on the runway shortly before being worn by the actress.
A Fashion Partnership That Goes Beyond Work
Roach's decision also reflects the unusually close relationship he shares with Zendaya.
Although he has previously spoken about maintaining boundaries with clients, he has described Zendaya as an exception. The pair have worked together for more than a decade and have developed a creative partnership that goes well beyond a conventional stylist-client relationship.
Roach has described them as having grown up together and becoming like family. He has also spoken about their disagreements, suggesting that their collaboration works because both have a strong voice in the creative process.
That closeness may help explain why the old rejection still carries such weight.
Will Dior, Chanel Or Gucci Ever Get Another Chance?
For now, it appears unlikely that Zendaya will make a dramatic return to the five fashion houses on the red carpet.
Roach's latest comments show that he is willing to reconsider his own grudges, but he has not extended that change to Zendaya's wardrobe. The actress continues to command attention through carefully planned collaborations, inventive couture and highly themed appearances.
The result is an unusual fashion power dynamic. Brands that once declined to dress a rising young star now find themselves outside the red-carpet conversation surrounding one of Hollywood's most influential style figures.
And while Roach may have declared himself less petty, his message about Zendaya remains remarkably clear: some fashion doors, once closed, are staying that way.
