“ Luxury is to be able to take control of one’s life, health, and the pursuit of happiness in a way that is joyful” say André Leon Talley, a fashion mogul who has passed away yesterday. Talley was a journalist and tastemaker in the fashion community. Coming from humble beginnings in North Carolina, he was raised by his grandmother and grew up in the church. It was church where André got his inspiration for style and sophistication. In his studies he attended North Carolina University and majored in French Literature. He later received his masters from Brown. Talley then moved to New York and began his career in journalism at Interview Magazine.
In 1983 he joined Vogue as their Fashion News Director. As creative director at Vogue he constantly pushed boundaries that shaped the core of fashion, lifestyle, and luxury.
He was also a judge on America’s Next Top Model. One of his most recognizable roles, which introduced his greatness to a younger generation. Talley recently wrote a memoir The Chiffon Trenches, where he talks about his upbringing and his time spent working at Vogue. He worked side by side with Anna Wintour and was the first black editor-at-large.
Overall, André was known for his sophistication, his fashionably forward insight, and his grandiose lifestyle, which also reflected in his fashion. There will always be love and respect for André Leon Talley and the fashion world will truly miss him.
