André Leon Talley, an influential fashion journalist and former editor-at-large of US Vogue magazine, has passed away at the age of 73.
The fashion icon was a trailblazer in the fashion industry, serving as the first African-American male creative director of US Vogue from 1988 to 1995.
As well as being a successful author and journalist, he frequently advocated for diversity in fashion.
Talley was also well known for his time on the judging panel of America’s Next Top Model, something he did from Cycle 14 to 17 of the show.
In a statement released on 19 January, his representatives, TAA PR, said: “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear friend and client, the indomitable Andre Leon Talley on 18 January 2022 in New York.
“Mr Talley was the larger than life, long-time creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world’s fashion bible.
“Over the past five decades as an international icon, [he] was a close confidant of Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers.”
View this post on Instagram
Since the announcement of his death, thousands of tributes have poured in from high profile figures in the fashion sector who knew or were impacted by him.
Edward Enninful, editor-in-chief of British Vogue, paid tribute to his friend on Instagram: “R.I.P dearest Andre. Without you, there would be no me. Thank you for paving the way.”
Marc Jacobs thanked Talley in an intimate message shared on his personal social media channels: “I am in shock,” part of his message read. “You championed me and you have been my friend since my beginning. Our chats, the moments we shared….oh my friend.”
Milla Jovovich, model and star of the Resident Evil franchise, shared a picture of herself and Talley smiling at an event.
“I can’t believe what a force of nature has left us today,” she wrote. “Andre Leon Talley was such an incredible artist, but he was also one of the most genuinely wonderful humans I’ve ever met. Always there with the most beautiful smile and open arms, he was so sweet and kind, always so gracious and I imagine the term ‘fierce’ was coined after meeting him.”
View this post on Instagram
Latest
