Visit TheStateofFashion.Bulletin.com to read about how members of the black fashion community have reacted to the untimely passing of Legendary Fashion Editor, Andre Leon Talley.
I write, “Talley was a larger than life icon, a luxury connoisseur bred in Durham, North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, who ascended to the top ranks at Vogue Magazine in the 80’s and 90’s. Lauded not only for his vast knowledge of clothing, history, and art, he was also a social savant who managed to meld somewhat seamlessly into the exclusive set of editors, designers, and the ultra rich. As such, he was frequently the only black man perched on the front row next to the most powerful woman in fashion, Anna Wintour, who admitted in Talley’s biopic, The Gospel According to Andre, that she kept him close because she respected and depended on his exceptional style expertise.”
“More than a fashion editor, Talley made history as the first African-American to hold such prestigious positions in the fashion industry. The State of Fashion spoke to industry insiders from our community about Talley’s impact on their lives–and his lasting legacy.”
Former Wall Street Journal Editor Teri Agins said, “He had this encyclopedic knowledge of fashion history. He also was a connoisseur. He didn’t just know clothes, he knew 18th century furniture, he knew art, he knew crystal and silver and jewels. I see him as an incredible fashion historian, journalist, and stylist. He was a bon vivant. He was an Original.”
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What is Andre Leon Talley’s legacy to you?