André Leon Talley, the influential fashion journalist and former editor-at-large of US Vogue, has died at the age of 73.
TMZ reported that Talley had passed away on Tuesday at a New York hospital, of an unknown illness. His death was later confirmed by his literary agent, David Vigliano.
Talley was a pioneer in the fashion world in a career that spanned six degrees. He was known for his 6'7 height, biting commentary and statement robes. Talley was a beloved figure in the industry, using his position to champion diversity on the runway and behind the scenes.
Talley Rose To The Top For Humble Beginnings
Born in 1948 and raised in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Talley was a lifelong fan of fashion, explaining in his 2020 memoir how he would visit his local library to read copies of Vogue magazine, which came to represent a world where “bad things never happened”.
His career in fashion began with an internship with former Vogue editor Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1974. He soon gathered contacts at Andy Warhol's Factory and Interview Magazine, where he worked as a receptionist. He soon started writing for W and the New York Times.
He is mostly known for his work at US Vogue, rising up the ranks to become the new director and then creative director until 1995. He left the fashion magazine, returning three years later where he remained editor-at-large until 2013.
He also felt at home in the fashion industry, after revealing the abuse he faced as a child and the racism that followed him throughout his life.
Andre Leon Talley Will Be Remembered For Larger Than Life Personality
Talley also became famous for his long working relationship with Anna Wintour, although it wasn't always a loving partnership.
“I had suddenly become too old, too overweight and too uncool”. He wrote in her memoir, describing Wintour as being incapable of “simple human kindness” and “never really passionate about clothes. Power was her passion.”
He became beloved by a whole new generation of fashion fans after serving as a judge on America's Next Top Model for four cycles. He also made an appearance in Empire and the first Sex and the City movie.
In 2008, he came the fashion advisor to the Obama family, although he later criticized the family. “I think the nouveaux riches Obamas are seriously tone-deaf … the Obamas are in Marie Antoinette, tacky, let-them-eat-cake mode. They need to remember their humble roots.”
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