Fashion world in shock as former Vogue heavyweight Andre Leon Tally dies
The fashion industry is mourning the loss of “indomitable” Andre Leon Talley, following his death at the age of 73.
The former Vogue creative director died in New York on Tuesday, his representatives, TAA PR, said in a statement.
“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our dear friend and client, the indomitable Andre Leon Talley on January 18, 2022 in New York,” the company said.
“Mr Talley was the larger-than-life, long time creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world’s fashion bible. Over the past five decades as an international icon (he) was a close confidant of Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers.”
As a fashion journalist Talley worked at Women’s Wear Daily and Vogue and was a regular in the front row of fashion shows in New York and Europe.
His byline also appeared in other publications including Vanity Fair, HG and Interview, and he was the editor of Numero Russia.
During a career spanning five decades, he befriended big names in the fashion world, including Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld and Paloma Picasso.
Fellow designers, models and other members of the industry paid tribute to Talley as a “force of nature”.
Sharing a vintage photo of the pair on Instagram, US designer Marc Jacobs said he was “in shock” following the news.
“You championed me and you have been my friend since my beginning,” he said.
“Our chats, the moments we shared … oh my friend. You and your passions were larger than life. I love you and I will miss you dear Andre.
“Rest In Peace.”
Belgian designer Diane von Furstenberg said no-one was “grander and more soulful”.
Sharing a picture of him, she wrote: “Good bye darling Andre. No one saw the world in a more glamorous way than you did … no one was grander and more soulful than you were The world will be less joyful. I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years… I miss your loud screams … I love you soooo much.”
Costume designer Arianne Phillips, known for her work on films including Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, said Talley was a “larger than life icon”.
She wrote on Instagram: “Andre Leon Talley trailblazer, dapper gentleman, fashion editor, writer, journalist with a singular voice – his witty repartee, larger than life icon.
“Always so kind and funny, his contribution to fashion and culture is one for the history books. Such sad news to hear of his passing. Rest In Power Andre.”
US actresses Kerry Washington, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer also posted online tributes to Talley.
Washington joked that the afterlife would be “just too fabulous” following Talley’s death.
“Oh Andre! Heaven is not ready for you darling!” she wrote on Instagram.
“The whole afterlife is going to be just too fabulous now. Ugh! You blessed us! Sir! You blessed us with your charm and wit and your taste for the exceptional. You will shine so brightly from the heavens that we will know what true stardom looks like. And we will gaze up at you always. In awe. And with gratitude. Rest In Peace.”