From the Studio to the Kitchen: Lessons in Styling With Law Roach and Chef Romilly Newman

After collaborating for 14 years, the synergy between Roach and Zendaya, both on and off the set, is truly incomparable. “It’s a real, organic, authentic love for each other that has grown beyond fashion,” Roach smiled.

Back at 1 World Trade Center, it only made sense to give the audience a quick trip down memory lane by displaying a few of Zendaya’s iconic looks, including a butterfly-inspired gown by Jeremy Scott for Moschino, a ready-to-wear look from Christopher John Rogers that she wore to the Emmy Awards in 2020, and a feathery Marc Jacobs mini-dress.

“My red carpet has always been editorial,” Law told Vogue. “I can’t just put clothes on someone. I have to know their personality and use the platform to dress them as a way to showcase their inner beauty.”

Kicking off the morning on a caffeinated note, guests were greeted with Ralph’s coffee and an array of delicious pastries. The new canned cold brew served from their charming green trike, which was decorated with white hydrangea bouquets, became the center of attention. Close by, Ben Gorham’s Byredo set up an exclusive beauty atelier for guests to explore the luxury brand s latest products and fragrances.

Despite the early hour, the glamorous crowd showed up in high style for the festivities. Philanthropist Jamie Soros, incandescent in a yellow Valentino coat, held court with tales of the recent Venice Biennale. Music executive Sabrina Harrison stunned in a full Versace look. Entrepreneur and socialite Mona Patel wore a full Balmain runway look, mere hours before hopping on a plane to Paris. Abbie McLaughlin, as she sampled Byredo’s Liquid Lipstick Vinyl in a few dazzling shades, showed off a couture look from Area’s acclaimed and viral prehistoric-themed fall 2023 collection.

The group sipped their coffees and spritzed delicious scents, both familiar and new. The studio buzzed with anticipation about all the exciting events in the coming weeks and months, including the Met Gala, the Cannes Film Festival, the new class of CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund designers, and, of course, VogueWorld: Paris.

Soon everyone headed to the Bon Appétit kitchen for a lesson in food styling by chef and tastemaker Romilly Newman. Similarly to Roach, Newman s fascination with food was inspired by her grandmothers’ from an early age, and she continues to feel that connection spark when cooking. Whether she’s hosting a dinner party for friends or curating a menu for a luxury fashion client, Newman never lets the kitchen compromise style.“When I plan a dish or plan a party, I like to add many layers and levels,” Newman began. “Everything has to have a purpose and I try to be very intentional with what I do but it also can be fun and the ultimate thing is to not take yourself too seriously in the kitchen.”

As the flowers finally begin to bloom and the weather warms up, the kitchen becomes a place of rebirth after a long, cold winter. “Spring is a very exciting season because there is something really poetic about all of these greens rising from the frost,” Newman explained. “There is something melancholic about spring but in the most beautiful, promising way. And when it comes to cooking, you can finally bring the outdoors in again. I like to use fresh herbs and vegetables almost as jewelry. Adding fresh parsley or mint to a protein is a simple way to add flavor and glamour to food.”

On the menu, guests enjoyed a multi-course meal inspired by the spirit of the season. For breakfast, a farm chicory salad was served first, followed by the option of sweet potato scallops with pea purée or mushroom steak accompanied by kale hash and chermoula sauce. Bridging the gap between fashion and food might be Newman’s focus, but her eye for styling goes far beyond the kitchen.

To conclude the eventful day, guests received a Vogue100 tote bag packed with keepsakes from the morning. But as Roach reminded us, “the most important thing you can carry is confidence.”