Law Roach may be trading “image architect” for brand owner.
As Complex reports, the celebrity stylist—who sparked headlines with a 2023 “retirement” announcement but has continued to work with top clients like Zendaya—is said to have assembled investors to purchase Emanuel Ungaro from Silicon Valley investor Asim Abdullah, according to a new report from industry trade publication Puck.
Abdullah acquired the famed French fashion house for $84 million in 2005 from the Ferragamo family, which had brought in a young Giambattista Valli to serve as the head designer, but never turned the label profitable.
Founded in 1965 by Emanuel Ungaro (who died in 2019), the house became known for exuberant prints in the ’70s and ’80s. After Abdullah’s purchase, the brand cycled through a string of nine creative directors, among them Peter Dundas and Lindsay Lohan, and rumors have swirled that Abdullah is saddled with debt. More recently, Abdullah tapped New York–based designer Kobi Halperin in 2021 and signed a 10-year fragrance deal with Inter Parfums that same year. Insiders point to the archives in Paris as a key asset.
Roach hardly disappeared after his retirement moment. He continues a lucrative arrangement with Zendaya, receiving a percentage of her earnings on fashion-related projects, and has kept busy with a forthcoming book, TV appearances, and a refreshed client list that includes Ryan Destiny and Ariana Grande.
If the deal closes, Law Roach is expected to hold a majority stake in the company. His exact role has not been finalized; he could appoint a new designer or take on design duties himself, but would retain creative control either way. Backers have not been disclosed, though Roach has previously worked with ultra–high-net-worth families, including the Ambanis in India.
So far, Law Roach has declined to comment, and representatives for Ungaro and Abdullah have not responded to requests for comment.
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