Celebrities Mourn The Demise Of Fashion Icon André Leon Talley, Former Vogue Creative Editor And An Architect Of Change
On January 19, 2022, fashion industry woke up to the shocking news of iconic former editor-at-large of U.S. Vogue, André Leon Talley’s demise at the age of 73. A celebrated international figure in the world of fashion, André Leon carved the base of Vogue and fashion throughout his sex-decade long career in fashion journalism. According to a report, the ace fashion journalist had been in the hospital and was battling an unknown illness, and a statement as shared on his Instagram handle confirmed the shocking news. Reminiscing his legacy and contribution to fashion as we know it today, the statement read as, “It is with great sadness we announce the passing of André Leon Talley on January 18, 2022, in New York. 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, Diane von Furstenberg, Bethann Hardison, Manolo Blahnik and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers.”
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His Contributions To the World Of Fashion
André Leon who commenced his journey in fashion with Vogue in 1983, went on to become the news director followed by taking up the role of the magazine’s Creative Director in 1988. Ever since he remained known as an architect of change, through his thought-provoking ideas that came attached to his byline in many magazines, inclusivity on runways, making the LGBTQ icon, one of the first mainstream African-American tastemakers in the U.S.
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Also termed as the ‘godfather’ of fashion, he also served as the style advisor to the Obama family in 2008 and later served as the judge for America’s Next Top Model, and made his first big-screen debut with Sex and the City and The First Monday in May, a documentary about the Met Gala. He brought his early life in the fashion world under the spotlight, through his much-praised memoir The Chiffon Trenches, sharing details about his struggles with racism. Be it his personal style, or developing his place in the business, the iconic fashion luminary scripted his own rule and championed new voices.
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ALSO READ: The World Of Fashion Mourns The Loss Of An Icon, Karl Lagerfeld
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Mourning the death of the fashion icon, many popular names shared heartfelt messages from fashion and films alike. Paris Hilton took to her social media handle and shared, “So sad to hear the news about André Leon Talley. You brought so much vibrancy and personality to the fashion world and there will never be someone like you! You are a pioneering fashion legend forever, Rest In Peace.”
So sad to hear the news about @OfficialALT 😢 You brought so much vibrancy and personality to the fashion world and there will never be someone like you! You are a pioneering fashion legend forever, Rest In Peace 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/8D1SrLQund
— ParisHilton (@ParisHilton) January 19, 2022
American rapper Cardi B shared an Instagram story and mentioned, “Rest In fashion.”
Popular television host, Andy Cohen shared some heartfelt words on his show, Watch What Happens Live, and remembered him as, “I’m a little off right now because during the break, we got the news that our dear friend of the clubhouse André Leon Talley has passed away.”
Just riffing here about Andre… he was an incredible person who lived an incredible, groundbreaking life. Highly recommend his book THE CHIFFON TRENCHES https://t.co/WZlVMbK2yb
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) January 19, 2022
Actors Octavia Spencer, Harvey Fierstein, Kerry Washington, fashion designer duo known as Tom and Lorenzo, supermodel Milla Jovovich, US costume designer Arianne Phillips, film and TV star Viola Davis, were amongst others who paid tribute.
I am sad to hear of Andre Leon Talley’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
— octavia spencer (@octaviaspencer) January 19, 2022
Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Editor and Fashion Legend, Dies at 73 – The Daily Beast…. A truly original heart , spirit and mind. He cast a giant shadow and will not soon be forgotten. What’s loss. https://t.co/Rxixp4A1pE
— Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) January 19, 2022
Oh Andre! Heaven is going to be too fabulous now. Sir! You blessed us with your charm, wit, and taste for the exceptional. You'll shine so brightly from the heavens that we'll know what true stardom looks like. We'll gaze up at you always. In awe. And with gratitude. pic.twitter.com/7lLyUkSp2n
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 19, 2022
RIP Andre Leon Talley. Rest well King ❤️ 📸@etnow pic.twitter.com/A6d2eA1m39
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) January 19, 2022
Being the first black person to hold his position at Vogue, André Leon Talley’s legacy will live on and guide the future generations of fashion with utmost compassion and love. Rest in peace, visionary.
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