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André Leon Talley (1948–2022), fashion icon and former Vogue editor-at-large

by Linnea Crowther

André Leon Talley was the former editor-at-large of Vogue magazine and an icon of the fashion world.

Fashion icon

Talley loved fashion since he found a copy of Vogue as a young boy growing up in the Jim Crow South. He moved to New York as a young man and began working for Andy Warhol (1928–1987) at his Interview Magazine. He began writing for Women’s Wear Daily before landing a position at Vogue as fashion news director. Talley then became Vogue’s first Black creative director before ascending to editor-at-large. After leaving his Vogue position in 2013, he continued to be associated with the magazine, including hosting a Vogue podcast. Talley was also a judge on several cycles of “America’s Next Top Model” and a stylist for the Obama family during Barack Obama’s presidency. His memoir, “The Chiffon Trenches,” was a best-seller, and he was the subject of the documentary “The Gospel According to André.” He appeared as himself in the 2008 movie “Sex and the City,” in the video for Mariah Carey’s “Say Somethin’,” and in an episode of “Empire.” Talley was known for his unmistakable personal style, featuring voluminous kaftans and capes.

Notable quote

“I scorched the earth with my talent and I let my light shine.” —from a 2020 interview for the Guardian

Tributes to André Leon Talley

Full obituary: The New York Times

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