Behind every viral fashion moment is a powerful celebrity stylist who orchestrated the internet-shattering look. This unsung style hero is capable of sculpting a star’s image or altering the trajectory of their career. Despite the immense influence they wield, their involvement is often taken for granted, with attention naturally shifting towards their high-profile clients.

The fashion world collectively gasped when Law Roach announced his retirement from styling earlier this year. Renowned for his impressive work with some of the biggest names in the industry, notably longtime collaborator Zendaya, the self-proclaimed image architect cited “politics, the lies and false narratives” as reasons for his departure. Since then, Roach has clarified that he will still collaborate with the Euphoria (2019) actress, but in spite of this, his absence is felt. Meanwhile, the question looms: who will step forward to fill Law Roach’s shoes and continue to redefine celebrity style?

As we reflect on the year’s most iconic outfits, discover more about the creative minds who brought them to life.

Rihanna’s Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show

After seven years, Rihanna made her highly-anticipated return to the stage for her Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show. During the performance, the singer and entrepreneur revealed she was expecting her second child, showing off her baby bump in a Loewe jumpsuit with a moulded leather breast bustier and a custom leather coat by Alaïa. The all-red ensemble was devised by stylist Jahleel Weaver, who has worked with the Bajan native for over a decade. Weaver wasn’t informed of Rihanna’s pregnancy until three weeks before the show, prompting further alterations. Comfort also became a priority, so Maison Margiela x Salomon Cross high-top sneakers were selected instead of her usual heels.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Kendrick Lamar’s GRAMMYs Wins

At the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Kendrick Lamar accepted golden gramophones in three rap categories, taking to the stage in a full look from Martine Rose’s AW23′ collection. The rapper secured his spot on the best-dressed list wearing a baby blue and navy track jacket, a pinstripe shirt with a patterned tie, and grey tailored trousers. Stylist Taylor McNeill completed Lamar’s ensemble with a reimagined pgLang “LA” baseball cap and an unreleased pair of blue Martine Rose x Nike Shox mules. McNeill, the mastermind behind Lamar’s recent style evolution, has been instrumental in crafting memorable looks, having previously worked on the Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers (2022) album cover and The Hillbillies (2023) music video.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Bad Bunny’s Headline Performance at Coachella 

Bad Bunny made history at Coachella, becoming the first solo Latin American artist and Spanish-language musician to headline the festival. Storm Pablo, his stylist of four years, ensured his set would be unforgettable (and highly photographed). For weekend one, Pablo dressed the Puerto Rican hitmaker in a custom-made ERL puffer jacket with matching trousers featuring a colourful patchwork design. Pablo’s creative reach even extended to the backup dancers, outfitting them in bespoke ERL looks as well.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Pedro Pascal’s Met Gala Attire

When the Met Gala 2023 theme of “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty,” was revealed, it was a foregone conclusion that guests in attendance would embrace the late designer’s signature motifs, such as monochrome and pearls. Tributes to his beloved cat, Choupette, were also expected. However, Pedro Pascal surprised everyone with a fashion curveball, arriving at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a knee-flashing Valentino outfit (look 30 from AW23′) that captivated the internet. The Chilean-American actor posed on the famed steps in a red overcoat with a matching button-down shirt, tailored shorts and military boots. Stylist Julie Ragolia was behind this bold choice and is also responsible for Pascal’s transformation into an unexpected style icon during the Mandalorian (2019) press tour. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour

Narrowing down a standout look from Beyoncé’s extensive 56-stop tour is a near-impossible feat. The singer’s wardrobe consisted of over 140 special couture and custom designs, inspired by the visual narrative of the Renaissance (2022) album. From sequins and metallics to catsuits and bee-inspired ensembles, every detail was carefully considered, with subtle nods to each country visited. During the UK leg, Beyoncé graced stages in pieces from London-based brands such as Mary Katrantzou and Robert Wun, while in Marseille, France, she appeared in head-to-toe Jacquemus. The megastar enlisted stylists Shiona Turini, Julia Sarr-Jamois, Karen Langley and KJ Moody to bring her ambitious vision to life. Although the team had their pick of many established designers, like Valentino, Mugler and Alexander McQueen, they also chose to showcase emerging labels Anrealage and Brandon Blackwood on a global stage.

PHOTO CREDIT: @beyonce

A$AP Rocky’s Bottega Veneta Campaign

For their Pre-Spring 2024 campaign, titled ‘READYMADE’, Bottega Veneta featured A$AP Rocky in a series of paparazzi pictures. The shots could easily be mistaken for candid moments of the rapper’s life, showing him going jogging, carrying groceries and grabbing a coffee. However, they were expertly concocted by creative director Matthieu Blazy and tabloid photographers. The runway-worthy looks were pulled by stylist Matthew Henson, who first dressed Rocky in 2012. Since then, the duo have worked closely together, with Henson helping form the rap superstar’s creative agency, AWGE.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta/Getty Images