Andre Leon Talley, the man most known for his former role as creative director of Vogue, has died at age 73. According to various media reports, he died on Tuesday (Jan 18) in a New York hospital battling an unknown illness.
Talley is revered by the US fashion industry and largely, the world over, for his views on all things stylish.
He was once also the right-hand man of Vogue editor Anna Wintour. They parted ways on not so good terms, which led him to write a book about what happened.
Talley first joined Vogue in 1983 as the magazine's fashion news director. He then became the creative director from 1987 to 1995. He left in 1995 and moved to Paris to work with W Magazine.
He rejoined Vogue in 1998 full-time as the editor-at-large, writing the monthly column Style Fax. He held on to the role until finally leaving in 2013.
Talley was the first Black person to occupy his position at Vogue. In his 2020 memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, he wrote about he felt his role changed the magazine and fashion industry in general. He also wrote about the breakdown in 30-year friendship with Wintour.
In the past, he has also contributed to Women's Wear Daily, The New York Times and Interview Magazine. During his lifetime, he could always be counted on to appear at the major fashion weeks sitting in the front row.
Remembering a legend
When news of Talley's death broke, social media was flooded with tributes from his peers in the fashion industry, as well as celebrities.
“Goodbye darling Andre. No one saw the world in a more glamorous way than you did. No one was grander and more soulful than you were," wrote fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg.
"The world will be less joyful. I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years... I miss your loud screams... I love you soooo much.”
"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Andre Leon Talley. Thank you for your knowledge and passion for fashion and glamour. You will be missed," added fashion designer and costumier Bob Mackie.
Tony Award and Oscar-nominated costume designer Arianne Phillips called Talley a "trailblazer".
"Always so kind and funny, his contribution to fashion and culture is one for the history books. Such sad news to hear of his passing. Rest In Power Andre," she said.
Actress Viola Davis shared a photo of herself and Talley together, captioning it: “Rest well King”.
Others in the entertainment industry like Octavia Spencer and Harvey Fierstein were also seen sharing their tributes in remembrance of Talley.
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