Trailblazer fashion icon André Leon Talley passes away.
THE former creative director of Vogue and pioneering fashion journalist André Leon Talley has died at age 73.
"It is with great sadness we announce the passing of André Leon Talley on January 18, 2022 in New York," the statement read from the late fashion mogul’s Instagram account. "Mr. Talley was the larger-than-life, longtime creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world's fashion bible."
Talley's Instagram account announcement also noted that for over five decades the "international icon was a close confidant of Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers."
Talley began at Vogue in 1983, and in 1988 was named the fashion bible's creative director, ultimately also serving as editor-at-large.
Throughout his career, the 6-foot-6 fashion journalist, whose towering presence sitting front-row of fashion shows was as iconic as his flowing robes, advocated for diversity in the fashion industry, encouraging top designers to include more Black models in their shows as he helped shape Vogue at large.
Beyond print, Talley was a judge on America's Next Top Model, starred in 2016 documentary The Gospel According to André, and penned two memoirs, most recently The Chiffon Trenches, chronicling his tenuous relationship with Vogue's longtime editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
Those who were close to Talley, like supermodel, actress and TV personality Tyra Banks who worked with Talley on her show, America’s Next Top Model shared memories of the late icon on social media.
“I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion ‘fabulousness’ and real down-home southern comfort love until I met @andreltalley,” Banks said
Another companion of Talley, Marc Jacobs posted on his Instagram, writing “We remember André Leon Talley, the icon. Rest peacefully.”
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