Queen B recently returned from a trip to the US with celebrity stylist, Law Roach in-tow. Law is best known for having styled the likes of Zendaya and Ariana Grande and is considered a celebrity in his own right. After meeting in the States, Bonang knew that Law was the man to dress her for the 15th Metro FM Music Awards where B played host. Bonang had six outfit changes on the night, and each look was specially chosen for her by Law. Donned in international gowns created by Yousef Al Jasmi and Charbel Karam to name a few, there’s no denying that Queen B was the belle of the ball.
We chat to the star and her celebrity stylist about their first encounter and working together in the future:
Bonang
Tell us more about how you met Law…
Brand Three Sixty Communications created a list of stylists for me to meet with while I was in the United States. My goal was to select someone during the trip who was the best fit for my style, and my brand. I met with Law on the second day of our trip, and it was decided then and there that he would style me for the Metro FM Awards. We met at his studio mid-day, and our fashion affair was instant! The chemistry, the connection, we just got each other…
What was it about Law that made you decide to let him style you for the MMAs?
Our instant connection made it an easy selection. Law is a creative spirit and a genuine person – and upon meeting him it was clear he was the best choice for me. Selecting a fashion stylist is intuitive and the stylist must understand you as a person, as well as your brand and your vision.
What plans do you have to work with Law in the future?
My plan is to continue working with Law, and mixing it up with local designers as I believe and know that South Africa – and Africa – has some amazing talent.
So we can assume you’ll still be working with Gert-Johan Coetzee?
Gert and I have grown together into the fashion forces we’ve become. We started working together in 2009 and will continue to create dazzling fashion moments for years to come. We are already in the process of creating a look for E! Africa at the SAFTAs on March 20. Working with Law for MMA15 was not a departure from wearing African designers, but a step in enhancing and expanding my own brand globally.
Law
How did end up becoming a stylist to the stars?
It was evolution for me. I owned a vintage boutique in Chicago called Deliciously Vintage. We had a celebrity following. [At that time] Kanye would come in, get stuff for Amber [Rose], stylists were reaching out to me from all around the world, and it was a destination place to come to in Chicago. That was my first introduction to large groups of stylist.
I started working with Zendaya, and styling her from Chicago. The boutique was my main focus, but when her career started picking up and people started taking notice to what I was doing with her, I had to switch gears because I was now more of a stylist than a boutique owner. I didn’t set out to be a stylist, it just kind of happened naturally and out of necessity, really.
What was your first impression of Bonang when you met her?
I instantly fell in love with her and became obsessed! She’s beautiful, she’s poised and she’s with purpose.
Tell us more about styling B for the Metro Awards and the international gowns you chose to dress her in…
The style for the MetroFM Awards was Hollywood Glamour. I used several Lebanese designers. Something about their gowns is always special and we wanted this to be a very special night.
What was your favourite look of the MMA15?
A black gown by Nicolas Jerban. Bonang looked stunning! It was her final look of the night.