Legacy of André Leon Talley

 

André Leon Talley was born in Washington, DC on October 16, 1948. He was raised by his grandmother, Bennie Davis, who was a housekeeper at Duke University during Jim Crow. He attended Brown University and graduated with a master’s degree in French Literature. He began his fashion career by volunteering for then-Vogue editor Diana Vreeland at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met). He then went to work on Andy Warhol's Interview, Women's Wear Daily, and the New York Times before becoming fashion news director at Vogue in 1983. Talley became Vogue's creative director in 1988, then served as editor-at-large until 2013. His contributions to the magazine featured models with darker complexions, helping to broaden representation. André Leon Talley became the first African American to hold the position of creative director for one of the most prestigious fashion magazines around the world. 

During a time when African Americans were underrepresented in the industry, Talley was a pioneer. It was his desire to make people aware of talented Black creatives who were not getting recognition they deserved, believing they were the future of fashion. His philosophy was to never wait for a seat at the table, build your own.With his impeccable style, the fashion world has been left with a work of art and evolution. Talley’s life story and work has been an inspiration to me. As a DC native myself, I am in awe of someone with such humble beginnings that evolved into the fashion legend that we all love and admire today.  

Rest in peace, power, and greatness André Leon Talley.