New ‘Project Runway' judge Law Roach shares his thoughts on criticism, plus what to stream this weekend

Los Angeles Times

a day ago

Welcome to Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who likes a dramatic comeback.
Remember when Heidi Klum drilled into our reality TV heads that, in fashion, one day you're in, and the next day you're out? Well, even she knows the past can come back in style. After a 16-season run on 'Project Runway' as host and judge, Klum departed the fashion competition series in 2018 and, along with the show's original mentor Tim Gunn, went on to create 'Making the Cut,' their version of a fashion tournament for Prime Video that ran for three seasons. (Model Karlie Kloss assumed Klum's 'Project Runway' duties in subsequent seasons.) Now, as 'Project Runway' launches its 21st season, moving homes yet again (to Freeform from Bravo), Klum brings the nostalgia factor to the show's revamping, which includes the addition of super stylist Law Roach to the judges panel. Roach stopped by Guest Spot to discuss joining the ranks of the long-running reality competition.
Also in this week's Screen Gab, our streaming recommendations include an illuminating documentary that explains how 'The Ed Sullivan Show' amplified Black music and culture, and a collection of '90s films that defined an era through their soundtracks.
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Recommendations from the film and TV experts at The Times
'Sunday Best: The Untold Story of Ed Sullivan' (Netflix)
Ed Sullivan was so famous, such an institution in his time, that his name became the text of a number in the musical 'Bye Bye, Birdie.' It's been half a century since 'The Ed Sullivan Show' ended its 24-season run, but Sullivan, who gave Elvis Presley a platform and introduced the Beatles to America, will be seen as long as they continue to matter, which is to say, forever. The 'Untold' in Sacha Jenkins' affecting documentary is the show's history with the many Black artists it presented to an audience of many millions, through years in which television networks bowed to the bigotry of what it called the Southern audience. Yet even had you taken Black acts on 'Sullivan' for granted, the extent of the host's progressivism might come as surprise. Those sharing memories include the late Harry Belafonte, Smokey Robinson and the Temptations' Otis Williams; seen in performance are Stevie Wonder, Jackie Wilson, Bo Diddley, James Brown, Nina Simone, Mahalia Jackson and the Jackson 5, in all their youthful glory. — Robert Lloyd
'90s Soundtrack Movies (Criterion Channel)
Now they exist as relics: banged-up soundtrack cassettes that slid around in the passenger side of everyone's cars. But we all listened to them and in many cases, they ended up being more memorable than the films themselves. A lot of good was done when acts like U2, Talking Heads, Depeche Mode and Nick Cave lent their drawing power to director Wim Wenders' mystifying 1991 sci-fi art thinker 'Until the End of the World.' The songs were an adventure (though I couldn't quote you a single line from the script). More substantially, Jim Jarmusch introduced his fan base to Wu-Tang Clan's RZA, who contributed a superb head-bobbing soundtrack to 1999's 'Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai,' proving there was plenty of crossover between Soho and Shaolin. David Lynch, always plugged in musically, drew from David Bowie's underrated 'Outside' album for the white-line opening credits of 1997's 'Lost Highway.' And even when Bowie wasn't game — as with the bio-in-all-but-name 'Velvet Goldmine' — an inventive glam-saturated soundtrack could carry the day. Criterion's new series is programming you can play in the background and still enjoy. — Joshua Rothkopf
A weekly chat with actors, writers, directors and more about what they're working on — and what they're watching
As one of Hollywood's biggest stylists and image architects, Law Roach has bolstered the fashion profile of stars like Zendaya, Hunter Schafer and Anya Taylor-Joy and set the tone for every red carpet he's touched with his viral styling choices. Now, he's bringing his unparalleled fashion sense to the judge's panel of 'Project Runway.' The new season premiered Thursday on Freeform with two episodes; it will air weekly and also stream on Hulu and Disney+. Roach stopped by Screen Gab to discuss his feelings on constructive criticism, the fictional character he'd like to style and what he's watching. — Yvonne Villarreal
As a creative in the fashion world, is 'Project Runway' a show you watched at any point over its run? What value did you see in it and how do you hope your involvement elevates the show?
Yes, I watched it religiously, of course. The season that Christian won is hands down still my favorite. I think it gave me an inside look at an industry that I was craving to be a part of. I think my real-world experience and passion will come through not only to the viewers but also to the contestants.
You bring a bold and direct feedback style to the judges panel from the start. How do you prefer to receive feedback on your work and when do you trust it?
Criticism is a part of every job. I think it is important to hear it and if it fits you or can help you grow, take it in, and learn from it, but if it doesn't, ignore it.
As a stylist and image architect, which fictional character of TV or film — past or present — would you most like to create a fashion profile for?
Jessica Rabbit because we only got to see her in one look!
What's your go-to 'comfort watch,' the film or TV show you return to again and again?
'Top Chef' [Peacock] or any cooking competition show. I love food and witnessing the thought that goes into making the food.