André Leon Talley was more than just a fashion journalist. He was a pioneer, a mentor, a friend and an inspiration to many in the fashion industry and beyond. Talley was born in Washington, D.C., in 1948 and raised by his grandmother in Durham, North Carolina. He studied French at Brown University and then moved to New York, where he began his career as an assistant to Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Daily before joining Vogue in 1983. At Vogue, he was named fashion news director and eventually creative director. He was known for his flamboyant outfits, his close friendship with Anna Wintour and his passionate coverage of the fashion world. He interviewed some of the biggest names in the industry, including Karl Lagerfeld, Tom Ford and Naomi Campbell.
Talley was not only a fashion critic, but also a fashion activist. He championed diversity and inclusion in fashion and promoted young talent, especially black designers and models. He was also a champion of beauty in all shapes and sizes and encouraged women to love and accept themselves.
Talley was also a man with a big heart. He was generous, kind, humorous and loyal. He cared about his family, his friends and his community. He was also an art lover and a bookworm. He had a large collection of fashion books that he kept at his home in White Plains.
Talley leaves a great legacy in fashion and cultural history. He was a fashion giant who shaped the industry with his vision, style and voice. He was also a person with a soul that touched many. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.