Andre Leon Talley was a highly influential fashion journalist, best known for his unique personal style and long association with Vogue magazine. died TuesdayAt a hospital in White Plains (New York). He was 73 years old; the cause of his death is not known.
Talley became a widely celebrated fashion icon during his 6-decade career, most notably at Vogue, where he served as fashion news director from 1983-1987 and then as the magazine’s creative director until 1995. He left Vogue for W in 1995 and returned as editor-at large in 1998. He remained in that role until leaving Vogue in 2013.
Talley was born in Washington, D.C., in 1948. He grew up in the south during segregation. He attended North Carolina Central University and was awarded a scholarship to Brown University. There he received a MA degree in French literature in 1972.
Moving to New York City, Talley soon earned a job working for Andy Warhol at Interview Magazine, leading to stints at Women’s Wear Daily, W and then the New York Times before moving to Vogue. He used his influence to encourage designers to include Black models, and he often criticized racism in the fashion industry. He remains a prominent LGBTQ pioneer and is highly respected.
Talley was also admired for his insightful observations, sharp wit, and distinctive style. For much of his career, he wore colorful capes over perfectly tailored suits. Later, his bold collection was completed.His final decade was marked by his signature robes, which were African-inspired.
Among the accolades he collected during his life, Talley received the 2003 Eugenia Sheppard Award for Fashion Journalism, he was awarded an honorary Doctorate from Savanah College of Art and Design in 2008, and in 2011 a gallery in his name was opened at the SCAD Museum of Art.
The news was first reported on by TMZ.