Book: How to Build a Fashion Icon
Author: Law Roach
Published: September 24, 2024
Wine/ Drink: Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water
Genre: Non-Fiction/Biography/self-help/fashion
How long did it take me to read this book: 5 days
Overall rating: 🍾🍾🍾🍾out of five Champagne pops.
In honor of this year’s Met GALA theme, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ the dress code is tailored for you. This theme is a significant nod to Black Dandyism. I thought it would be a great idea to review a book about fashion. Before we get into the book review, let’s do a very brief explanation of Black Dandyism. First and foremost, Black Fashion in America is revolutionary. It shows a cultures resilience, creativity, and confidence that communicates their unique style. Black Dandyism is a cultural expression specifically for Black men to embrace fashion as a lifestyle. Dandyism allows people to express themselves and challenge societal expectations in the lane of fashion, according to the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America). It’s a historical and ongoing movement that has seen Black men from the era of slavery to the current day use clothing and style as a form of resistance. They also see fashion as self-expression and reclaiming identity, as reported by EBONY Magazine. Monica L. Miller’s book “Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity” provides insights into our unique bond with fashion. It covers these topics and more about fashion and revolution. ‘Being a Black dandy means embracing fashion as a lifestyle – diverse, expansive, and deeply expressive,’ says Tianni Graham, a fashion historian and a Principal Archivist at Thom Browne. Roach’s book, ‘How to Build a Fashion Icon,’ is not just a book about fashion, but a guide to understanding and embracing the significance of Black Dandyism in the context of the Met Gala theme.
Now that we have had a brief history lesson let’s get into the book review 😊. I also had this idea for the blog two weeks ago. I had been paying attention to all the fantastic pictures dropped by Vogue for the upcoming Met Gala on May 5, 2025. I thought that Law Roach’s book “How to Build a Fashion Icon” would be great review it for the blog. Law Roach’s book came right on time? For the last few years, I have been trying to reconnect to parts of myself that I buried. I realized I let my personal style fall short and wanted to get back to being happy.
I was fluctuating in weight during the pandemic. I lost 20 lbs. during the pandemic, but being home and eating pretty helathy. When I was required to return to work, I gained 30 lbs. I stopped trying to have a style when the weight started to pack on. Now, for complete transparency, I ran twice a day during the pandemic, only drinking water or all fruit juices. I walked at least 2-3 miles on the weekend for exploration and fun. Going back to work, with stress, and even trying to maintain a healthy meal plan wasn’t working. I still put on weight, and I also started taking medication that added weight. Working with the trainer was a misfire for many reasons, and it’s a different blog post. Lastly, injuries from 2021-2023 inhibited my results, but I digress
Reading Law Roach’s book did something to my brain; it rewired how I think of myself. I believe my spirit was ready for change, and his words, demeanor, and thoughts helped to reset so many off-switches in my brain to the on position. The book is short, with eight chapters, a fantastic foreword, an Introduction, and a conclusion. This book is excellent for reading over a weekend or incorporating into your journaling. Sidenote: I have a journal available at my pop-up store https://che-michelle.printify.me/.
At the end of each chapter, he asks you a series of questions to ponder how you can incorporate new items into your style or even challenge outdated thoughts on style. Law provides thought dul words, and action items to build your confidence. Law Roach quotes are simple yet profound “It’s Important to remember that fear will not kill you.” A belief I know I buried in my spirit, but reading and hearing those words, I could feel a fire reignited to stop playing small. Roach gives you action items for how to build your confidence, such as acknowledging your fear, educating yourself, and seeking community support. These are just a few suggestions that are offered. I love the action items after each chapter; it made me want to explore what he asked the reader.
Of course, one of my favorite parts of the book was his glimpse into the celebrities he has worked with and how he saw them for who they were; he saw that they just needed a push to cultivate their budding fashion sense. I loved how he discussed each celebrity with balance; he discussed how they were vulnerable, but also, they knew who they were, and the respect that each relationship was built on. I enjoyed that Law allowed the reader a glimpse into his internal struggles and stepping out on faith. Law Roach is whoever he wants to be, not just a stylist. Law is a true image architect, but he also understands what fashion means to connect with your style and truly connect to one’s confidence. Law Roach focused and worked with their unique personality and beliefs to allow them to shine.
Overall, I needed to read this book; it was everything I needed to reset my confidence and perspective on my life. Buy the book, highlight the key quotes, and work on the questions casually asked throughout the book. I would rate this book four out of five popping bottles. It is excellent for people who love fashion and want to hear about celebrities Law has worked with. I believe this book is for the person who has lost their confidence and needs to be reminded that they can achieve the best version of themselves. I think this book is also for people struggling to reconnect to their confidence. Reading this book made me want to sit with a glass of wine and go through my closet. I am already planning when I will journal from the questions and unknown assignments, like going through my closet and questioning limiting beliefs about clothes that I have been holding on to. Read the book. Buy the physical book from a bookstore, and get your favorite bottle of wine or prosecco. While reading this book, I was on the go, so I partook in my favorite bougie water, Waiakea Hawaiian Volcanic Water. It’s refreshing; it quenches your thirst and makes you feel like you are drinking a piece of paradise. If you are at home going through your wardrobe, pick up a bottle of Issa Rae prosecco Viarae and pop the bottle, while discovering your authentic self. Allow Law Roach’s wisdom and wit to cultivate your best version of you.
Until Next Time,
Che Michelle.
P.S. Looking at the date when this book was released, September 24, 2024, it’s a very Libra/Venusian book. Maybe that could be a blog post one day: Astrology and Books release date 🫣. Seriously, the Law Roach brand is Luxury Law…. September 24, 2024, this book was released under the sign of Libra, a Venus sign. Talking about self-confidence, money, and collaboration. I think I have a new idea I must flesh out. Yup, this book has 100% Venusian energy under that Libra Sun.
Also, check out these articles:
Vogue Met Gala issue “Superfine & Dandy.” They are fire and the epitome of Black Excellence.
https://www.vogue.com/article/superfine-suiting-portfolio-may-2025
https://cfda.com/news/delving-into-the-essence-of-black-dandyism
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