Trending 19th January 2022 by Stellar Magazine

Fashion Icon And Force of Nature André Leon Talley Dies Aged 73

Fans online expressed their grief for the former Vogue editor.


André Leon Talley, the first-ever black man to be editor-at-large at Vogue, died on Tuesday night aged 73 in New York, according to representatives.

The former fashion journalist worked in the industry for fifty-plus years, spreading his talent across the States as a stylist, creative director, and fashion icon, and inhabiting a circle of the kind to make any fashion lover envious.

Talley was a dear friend to the likes of Marc Jacobs, Yves Saint Laurent, and Diane Von Furstenberg, the latter of whom wrote a touching Instagram post to the late editor, stating ‘the world will be less joyful now’.

Following his time at Vogue, Talley continued to make waves in the fashion world, from advising the Obama family on their style choices to serving as a judge on America’s Next Top Model. It was Talley who introduced Michelle Obama to Taiwanese-Canadian Jason Wu, who designed her inaugural gown.

 

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A post shared by Andre Leon Talley (@andreltalley)


Alongside his extraordinary successes in the fashion world, Talley was most prominently a champion for black and queer representation in the industry, consistently advocating for more diversity among models and creatives, and making powerful statements throughout his career; such as leaving Russian magazine Numéro due to Anti-LGBT laws in the country.

Late last night and into today, fans and colleagues of Talley’s released an outpouring of love and respect for the trailblazer.

Playwright Jeremy Harris wrote ‘For a generation of boys André Leon Talley was a beacon of grace and aspiration’, while Edward Enninful, Editor at British Vogue, captioned an Instagram post ‘R.I.P dearest Andre. Without you, there would be no me. Thank you for paving the way.’

Rest in Peace André.

Words by Aoife Codykane