I love the way he stood by his decision and was able to give sound reasons for his choice.

I absolutely love how both of them stood their ground. It’s possible to disagree with respect and love.

We are forgetting that Zendaya is a light skin woman. The discourse is mainly in how Annie photographs dark skin black women. There is nuance even in that conversation because colourism plays a part here.

Law's response was a Masterclass in responding to contentious opinion

The disagreement isn’t the photographer, it’s that they have different definitions of beauty and what is considered beautiful.

I love that you had the guts to ask him the question we were ALL thinking 🫢

He is smart because he understands the power of Annie’s name beside his. It’s about positioning and having her name beside his elevates his brand

Law remained professional. He knows his power👏🏽

This is the kind of dialogue we need! A conversation with different opinions, yet respectful commentary.

The Viola and Lupita pictures were part of a shoot that was focused on a naturalistic deglammed look. Not to include the context is weird. Also, social media loves acting TURNT and LIT when they have no expertise. As Beyonce would say, experts with no expertise. I am glad Law emphasized the professionalism aspect.

This man does not allow anyone to make him a victim! He is actually such an amazing asset for Zendaya, and I can’t wait to see what else he does with his talent.

This is what we need from journalists!!! Honesty with no sugar coating !

Lupita and Viola look amazing. I love how she caught the folds in Viola's hand. The beauty of her skin. I love the side view of Lupita, the knots in her hair. I think your biases are peeking through.

I'm black and I really like Annie photos including on black woman 🤷🏾‍♀️ I guess it's stylistic preference. I like that hollowed out eerie but majestic feeling her photos have. It's very Shakespeare tempest vibe. why cant we show up on those vibes too!

As someone who had no idea about this tea, those photos they clipped in of Viola and Lupita look amazing. It looks very raw, very real, unedited. Thats my initial reaction to just seeing those photos in this moment

Girl is trippin. Those photos look amazing, natural and raw.

Law Roach is the Andre Leon Talley of his generation. Wouldn't be surprised if he winds up on the editorial staff of Vogue magazine sometime in the future.

I feel like a lot of people in this discourse, including this interviewer, do not have an eye for/background in fashion and are not realizing that not every photo needs to be the prettiest girl in the prettiest light. Sometimes creating a moody or vulnerable contrast in a photo is way more valuable than just shooting the prettiest photo. You can always buy Elle Magazine if that's what you prefer

I can understand the sentimentality for Law in choosing Leibovitz, but the way she has consistently made the skin of black women (of all shades) look ashy, dull, and flat is extremely disappointing. The cover was beautiful, but the spread inside felt like a disservice to Zendaya and the designers of those beautiful pieces. And it feels like nobody is pressing Leibovitz on making the necessary adjustments (which she wouldn't have to sacrifice her terrible current aesthetic for) because of her name, so it will probably just keep happening. But thank you for asking him about it!

I really disliked how the interviewer handled this, ive never seen someone so adamant about imposing their opinions on someone else, so judgey, and theres a way to have that back and forth without coming off as superior and like youre “right” and hes wrong… its a no for me

I love that she wasn't afraid to ask the tough questions. I also love how he handled these questions. Stand firm in your decisions, Law. That's why you are who you are! And avoiding Annie isn't the answer; Law likely gave her a great education in what to do when it comes to Black skin. She's an icon in her own right, so her work will NOT stop and her shooting Black skin will NOT stop. With that in mind, education is a 'must' so our Black icons don't go out bad when she inevitably shoots them.

The interviewer definitely comes off smug with all the “hmms” and condescending smirks.. I like the direction she was going then she acted like her opinion was superior or the “right” take. Idk I find people who think they’re the smartest in the room have a lot of room to grow.

Don't like how she laughed / seemed amused by some of Law's responses

I love Law because he is unapologetic with his vision!

I love that you guys didn’t hold back and were honest, this is so refreshing to see within the fashion space

The world needed this piece of content. Because when was the last time you saw an interview, or discussion, about an arguably controversial topic, that's just a touch messy, but also fully respectful, with a playful back and forth exchange? We need more of this energy. We are influenced. This is more than just a moment.

I love this dynamic because it’s a tense topic. The interviewer has a strong opinion on it but Law has a strong ethos and logos behind his decision. I realize Leibovitz has this flattening characteristic in her photos.. they look a little dull sometimes the subject seems so integrated into the background they are almost 2d(specifically in Coco’s). But in the same breath there are details that jump off the photos.. and those details tell a story. Law knows that Leibovitz would capture the story Zendaya naturally exudes. Or maybe the grandeur is why he chose her. Either way I think the spread was beautiful and he made a good choice. Popular opinions shouldn’t always influence your own.

The way she approaches this conversation is so jarring.

I whole heartedly agreed with Law when it comes down to the credits and looking back on this in History . ANNIE WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE

The budget was budgeting!! That cover has a movie involved! Also we need to note who the sitting editors were, for the portrait shoots.

there is no… but Annie. There’s only Law and the privilege of choosing his choice. It’s his moment. We are simply bystanders. Go on Law ❤

Her saying the photos of viola and Simone biles are "horrifying" says more about her perception of beauty than it does about the photographer. They were both photographed in a natural way... way to be biased against your own people girl

Law Roach made the smartest decision strategically. The right move in cementing his clout.

I love how Law handled this. Coz I GET IT. ITS YOUR VISION. 😍😍😍

Why ask a question and then tell the interviewee they "should have said no comment?" What good is it to try to silence someone who is just as entitled to their beliefs about art because they don't agree with you and you gave them a "gotcha" question? I appreciate this dialog being brought up and it's an important discussion but I don't appreciate it being framed as a one-sided issue. It's art which is incredibly subjective, and clearly a lot of Black women have been made to feel beautiful and seen by Annie. We can talk about the questionable framing she does of Black women and also acknowledge that some people, including Black people like Law, really respect it and find it beautiful.

I lovvveeeee this because the truth is not many photographers prepare, she took the time to study her subject, prepare the poses, her skin tone, her history of modeling and his styling. She already knew the shot she was looking for. It’s not only her work that compliments her legendary status but her actual preparation. They just have to show up. Three shots that’s AMAZING. Her eye is one of a KIND!

girl u asked the real questions iktr

Well, most of the uproar is related to the way Annie Leibovitz shoots dark skin black woman. Zendaya is not a dark skin black woman.

I love that ya’ll could have this discourse.

Law Roach is very talented. And he has a smooth and delightful voice.

Law Roach is so good in this interview. He shut that girl down in such a polite way. That's a true fierce queen 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 Icon

Fashion is an industry just like any other. Think about it from a business, networking, and prestige perspective instead of just an art form and his decision makes sense. Also, the photos came out beautifully, so he was right to be confident in her skills.

Love that both of you stood in your thoughts and ideas. That makes for interesting conversations.

Annie's photos of black women are super raw and vulnerable. Simon Biles photo captures the weight of the burden on her shoulders, everything she does and who she is and what she has been through (assault etc) and still succeeding so effortlessly at that level, Lupita is so raw not only representing her vulnerability but that of every woman in her bloodline before her, there is something so raw and naked about Lupita's photo it showcases generations of vulnerability. Viola's is so emotional and an image of an emotion I immediately connected with. Those photos are about the person not their image or embellishing it.

So hurtful to dismiss Coco like that. She is beautiful, and also way more accomplished and poised than a podcaster. Really rubs me the wrong way.

Hhmmm the Rihanna shoot was good. And I also feel like the shots of Lupita, Simone and Viola were supposed to be very raw and real. I honestly don’t see anything wrong with it. I feel like it captures their realness; no makeup no retouch just raw

This is a very honest and frank conversation. And I appreciate the positions and opinions on the issues regarding Annie. That said, I don’t think it’s some sort of racist intent with Annie though, maybe she’s just b/w tone blind. And honestly, some photographers aren’t versatile. Maybe Annie isn’t right for DARK skin, but Zendaya isn’t that. So perhaps that’s why we got the photos we did.

I LOVE THIS!!! thank you for having Law. i cannot wait to see more of your work, and more work with Law of course. icons!

Also, Law’s point was that Annie L is a LEGEND. Despite the other concerns.

I agree on her take on Leibovitz. I think Law is fully aware of her horrible & down right unattractive imagery she creates of black women. All the same, he knew the grandeur behind the US Vogue cover and how important it would be for Zendaya to photographed by someone on Annie's calibre. Law saw the vision that it would do so much more for her fashion career than otherwise. I respect the interviewer for standing her ground in her opinion, but maybe dont go so hard in the paint about it lol industry is industry

Her disrespect towards Annie Leibovitz is so off putting, I wouldn’t trust Annie to shoot me’ like girl ‘who are you ? I loved law roach in this interview, the interviewer not so much 🤮

so happy you kept it honest!

As only a black woman like myself can express it. Dark skinned black women are not needed to always be shot dark, gloomy, hard, rugged, tough, gritty, to be raw when we are in our natural way to show our beauty. It screams, "is that all you see in us??" I don't always want to see the strong and endurance strength of the dark skinned woman. Its such a cliche! Where is your imagination when it comes to us??? Zendaya cannot shoot that way so Annie was cool to make her look her part, in that part, if you know, you know. But we/us dark skinned Sistas come in all ranges of beauty so up your game, and focus on that part like you do for others ok Annie! Thank you, that is all.

I think this was one of the best interviews with Law! Bravo to you both!

This podcaster obviously desired a different lens - a lens that probably believes that those photos, their hair etc were not "presentable" (in a eurocentric way). These women were shot in their rawest form, which honors their NATURAL beauty ...which she believes is "horrifying"...??? says more about the podcaster than Annie. Those photos were exquisite.

I loved everything about this back and forth.

This is my first time watching you. What a fiercely intelligent and articulate interviewer you are. ❤

I don’t think this was an interview, more like an interrogation with judgement. It’s disappointing watching such a good interviewer impose her judgement rather than ask more questions about the Leibovitz shoot.

Just found this, and i absolutely love the way he stood his ground!! Also of the way they were both respectful of their opinions! At the end of the day, he was happy with who he chose, and that's what matters! ❤

Law roach was being honest. He wanted an Annie moment despite all the racial discussions black women having been saying. Zendaya is a HUGE young star, who is biracial, with loose hair gurl patterns and light skin and olive light brown eyes. Of course Annie was going to get this shoot right. Zendaya and Law could took this opportunity to highlight other photographers.😊

I respect her for asking the right questions

"Zendaya seems like she has a slight dance background"... have you heard of shake it up?

Appreciate the raw & difficult questions & Law’s honesty!!! Wish we had more of this from interviewers & celebrities

They were beautiful in their natural form. Great answers by Law! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

I love how he stood behind Annie. He beat her argument back with facts.

Law is so confident. And you were so resilient. ❤️🎉👏🏽

I love the photos of viola Davis and Lupita!! Absolutely stunning! NATURAL🫶

I appreciate this insight 🤍

Love the honesty here

Law is Kikiing internally 😂😂

Loved this convo and respectful yet opinionated dynamic

It was a very interesting decision to use Annie …. I am glad it worked in this shoot

There seems to be a relationship here of mutual respect that allows them both to communicate in the earnest way they do. It’s refreshing to watch. The interviewer is clearly knowledgeable about fashion and fashion history. Her voice is also incredibly appealing. Akin to cashmere; full of texture, with a certain softness and clear utility. It makes her “messy” question more probing than provocative to me, because it doesn’t sound like simple rhetoric. She really seems to be curious for an answer. And Law Roach, to me, possesses a special kind of visionary talent that’s deep-seated. It shines through as untouched, eclectic yet curated and continuously refined. I felt his comfortability in this particular interview more than any other I’ve seen with him.

i love this interview

The host is so dramatic my God.

I understand Law wanting this experience for himself, but I also think he’s so fortunate that Zendaya is not darker skin and is so beautiful in her movements. With another client of a different and darker hue, he might have traded his fantasy for their nightmare images and that’s something to consider.

Great intervirw🎉 and Law shows us … you get what you expect from people and situations. He is powerful in creating what he wants without being dissuaded by what has happened in the past or what others think .

Law Roach worked so hard to achieve what he had so…. Right now he’s in a position to pick with who he wants to work with. And I believe he will speak 🗣️ up if he something wrong

Lemme tell you something about dark skin. Dark skin is labeled when you continually label it. Annie depicted a darker side of reality and ART with Lupita, Simone, and Viola. Simone had been struggling with mental and emotional distress for a while due to criticism from many people. When Simone was pictured as such in the magazine, it gave off that feeling of darkness, void, pain, sadness instead of happiness and cheeky. Do you know why? Because Simone has literally stated so many times, that people want her to be a certain way from her normal feelings. It’s okay to be sad, to take a break, to not smile all the damn time. Do you understand how stressful it is to be a woman and have to act like a “dark skin” woman on the regular. And if you don’t know or understand…this simply means wearing a mask in order to protect your skin from being judged. Viola gave off Raw emotion. She gave off a side that people most likely refuse to see or understand, which is raw natural beauty. Everyone assumes being black comes with extra-ness or undefined characteristics, but she just said “let me show them me.” Why as a black community, do we have to be seen in a flashy way in order to be seen as beautiful? And then we pin complexions against one another instead of teaching others that beauty can be raw, dressed up, contoured, undefinable, naked, dark, light, humored or sexy, etc. Art isn’t about putting an end to its form. It’s expandable beauty.

Y’all’s problems and issues aren’t everyone else’s problems and issues. I can’t believe that interviewer was trying to force him to agree. It seems Annie L shoots raw photography and like it or not, that’s how y’all dark skinned women look without the glamour. It seems more so to me y’all don’t like yourselves and when it’s in your face you hate it even more. It is not Annie’s fault y’all dislike yourselves when you don’t have the wigs, makeup, etc.

wow, i just looked up the coco gauff and simone biles photoshoots mentioned and they both looked so gorgeous to me! coco in particular was literally glowingggg in the outdoors shots. the studio shots for both of them definitely had less brightness/contrast, but i thought that was how this photographer shoots everyone? i must be missing something😶

Girl i love you and how you are so honest !!! Followed

Searching for full episode everywhere but just found out I have to pay for it 😭

I think folks have become so used to photo shop, filters, makeup & lighting they don't know what to do when we strip all that away. I love those photo's. They're gorgeous, timeless and elegant.

It made my SKIN CRAWL how the interviewer repeatedly tried to undermine and devalue his opinion on Annie because it did not align with hers. That was so immature and unprofessional! She stated her opinion but kept pushing it over and over and trying to beat him over the head with it. He doesn’t have to defend his choice to that woman! You can’t tell someone what to think about someone else NOR tell them what their experience was like with that person! Her personal opinions and issues with Annie do not have to become his, and I’m glad he shut her down each time.

I love that the questions were difficult and they were disagreeing but with so much respect. More of these please!

Suchhhhh an authentic exchange

I love not only the way he stood his position but how the interviewer respectfully and playfully stood her ground too. She could have been fake and just applauded law. And law answered so graceful. I don’t think you can catch law in a classless moment ever. His literal presence and how he presents himself and talks is so composed and classy.

i need this in Spotify NOWWW

Annie is the one. Ya’ll haters don’t even know. Other photographers rarely come close. She’s a legend.

Law is quality people, no back tracking on his decisions. Love it!

That’s what people get for thinking they know these celebs . Our opinions aren’t theirs. These things we wanna be “woke” about don’t always connect. Law roach wanted his muse a biracial woman to be shot by Annie. Because in his words she’s a legend. And they like her work. And that is okay.

I’m so confused by the interviewer’s standard of beauty, all the women were stunningly beautifully photographed.

She is a fantastic interviewer✨

Love your boldness 😂❤immediate sub❤

Law is adorable with a whole lot of attitude. And I am here for it.

I feel like the interviewer is stuck on her negative opinion towards annie.. shes one of the last image makers that does it like avedon or irving penn

I saw Dune 2. Then I started watching Zendaya’s red carpets for Dune. And I saw him behind her at each one. So, I was like, who dat? Just seeing them together I knew there was something special going on. This interview is my first time hearing him. Wow. Love this.

That Alice in Wonderland shoot you’re referring to is one the greatest editorial shoots EVER. And GRACE CODDINGTON said in her documentary that’s her favourite work. And the model is not Karlie Kloss, it was Natalia Vodianova. Know your subject

lol you were not playing around!