The American fashion sector pays tribute to André Leon Talley
A.L. Talley died last week, at the age of 73, of a heart attack. It has already received tribute from the entire fashion sector
01.25.2022.- André Leon Talley, American fashion journalist, died last week. He has been one of the most influential figures in our sector for the last 30 years, especially since the direction of Vogue, although he is better known in the United States than in Europe.
Born in 1948, he graduated with an art degree from North Carolina Central University and a postgraduate degree in French from Brown University. In the 1960s he moved to New York, where he was discovered by Diana Vreeland, editor-in-chief of Vogue, where he began working as her assistant. In 1989 he obtained the position of creative editor, from which he denounced racism in the fashion sector.
In 1995 he left Vogue to become a freelance journalist and contributor to other publications. He has published several books including autobiographical best-sellers such as A.L.T.: A Memory and A.L.T. 365.
For more than 25 years, he attended many of the fashion shows in New York, Paris, London and Milan.
Talley was a highly educated person: he had an Honoris Causa Doctorate in Humanities from the Savannah College of Art & Design and was Knight of the French Order of Arts and Letters. In 2007, he was ranked 45th in Out magazine's list of the 50 most powerful gay people in America.
Testimonials from A. Wintour, D. von Furstenberg, M. Jacobs and M.Kors
Anna Wintour, current editorial director of Vogue, has written: today many of us feel the loss of André. The designers he encouraged, the generations he inspired, those who followed the life of fashion, and of course Vogue, we thank him. No one like him could convey emotion with seemingly insignificant fashion details than he.
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Creator Diane von Furstenberg has written a very personal message. Goodbye, dear André... No one saw the world in a more elegant and glamorous way than you. No one had more soul and greater greatness than you. The world will now be less cheerful. I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years. I will miss your loud screams and your loyal friendship… I love you very much.
Marc Jacobs added: I'm in shock. You have defended me and you have been my friend since my beginnings. Our talks, the moments we shared… You and your passions were bigger than life. I love you and I will miss you, dear André. Rest in peace.
Michael Kors has also contributed his grain of sand. I am shocked by the passing of my friend André Leon Talley. He was an extraordinary human being, full of strength, style, intelligence and humor. It was the memory of fashion.
Other testimonials from his friends and colleagues
Tom Ford, currently Chairman of the CFDA, has written: It's hard for me to get used to the idea that André is no longer in the world. His gigantic personality sometimes overshadowed the fact that he was a brilliant journalist and an incredible writer. He could be hysterically funny and absurd and cool at the same time. When he said something shocking, he countered it with a statement so sharp and on point that it reminded you why he had gone so far.
Steven Kolb, executive director of the same institution, has remarked: knowing him was a privilege, and being in his presence was exciting. He was a true renaissance man. His journey to the top of fashion was a fearless one, an inspiration for many others to follow.
Paula Wallace, founder and president of SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design, one of the art and fashion teaching centers in the United States), which awarded her an Honoris Causa Doctorate, has also praised Talley. André will live forever in my memory for his generosity, passion, commitment and kindness. He was a classic, a mentor, an educator. He shared his knowledge, his passion, his talent and his friendship with this College and with me for decades.
Ralph Toledano, president of the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, lastly, has also made his contribution. André Leon Talley was a phenomenal journalist who astounded with his analysis of fashion and the history of fashion. Above all, he was the only person who dared to confront Karl Lagerfeld two days before a show. He did not let himself be defeated and Karl listened to him... It is a scene that has remained etched in my memory.
+ Info: https://www.vogue.es/moda/articulos/muere-andre-leon-talley
