Photo: David M Bennett/Getty
Celebrities, stylists and fashion designers are mourning the death of late fashion iconAndré Leon Talley.
The formerVoguecreative director died at the age of 73. He had been in the hospital battling an unknown illness,TMZreported Tuesday.
Andy Cohenshared touching words onWatch What Happens Live,telling viewers, “I’m a little off right now because during the break, we got news that our dear friend of the clubhouse André Leon Talley has passed away.”
“TMZhas just reported that, and André was just was such an incredible life force. I think he just was boisterous. He was bold. He was lively. We loved having him here. He had a booming voice. He just gave so much energy and love to everyone around him at all times.”
He recognized Talley’s “incredible book"The Chiffon Trenches, a memoir Talley released in May 2020, before noting the “trailblazer” was “the first Black editor atVogue.”
“He was just an incredible wonderful, wonderful guy,” Cohen continued. “And we’re gonna miss him, and he was a great life force. So I just want to salute André Leon Talley, rest in peace.”
DesignerDiane von Fürstenbergalso acknowledged Talley onInstagramwith a throwback photo of the writer.
William Norwich, formerVogueeditor and commissioning editor for fashion and interior design at the Phaidon Press, described Talley, whom he met in the mid-1980s, as “majestic.”
Tyra Banks, who worked alongside Talley as a judge onAmerica’s Next Top Model, alsopaid tributeto the fashion icon. “I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion ‘fabulousness’ and real down-home southern comfort love until I met@andreltalley,” she said.
“Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher - a generous, genius historian,” Banks continued. “Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend…you are resting now, Dearest André. But your spirit, your ‘je ne sais quoi’, your VOICE - your laugh, your screams of effervescent, delightful joy…I hear it now. And will forever. We all will.
Fashion designerMarc Jacobsalsopaid tribute to Talley. “I am in shock,” he wrote alongside a vintage photo of the pair.
“You championed me and you have been my friend since my beginning. 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.”
ActressViola Davisshared a sweetcaptionon a photo of her and the fashion icon smiling together. “RIP Andre Leon Talley. Rest well King,” she wrote.
Stylist Stacy London recalled working as Talley’s assistant during her days atVogue.
“I saw a post about Andre that said ‘this one really hurts.’ As one of his assistants in my 1st job at Vogue, this is more true than I can say…,” shecaptioneda black-and-white photo of Talley. “The most gracious of gentleman. The most demanding of bosses. The most talented of aesthetes. The most astute of historians. The kindest of men. RIP Andre - you will always be a light and so terribly missed.”
Kris Jennershared some throwback photos from the day she and the Kardashian-Jenner family visited Valentino Garavani’s home with Talley beforeKim Kardashian’s wedding toKanye West.
“I am so saddened to hear of the passing of André Leon Talley. We shared some very memorable times together and I will always remember how kind he was to me and my family. This was such a special afternoon at@RealMrValentino’s home in honor of Kim and Kanye’s wedding. We will remember you always. Rest In Peace@andreltalley@francasozzani1@virgilabloh❤️💔🙏,” Jenner said.
Derek Blasberg, celebrity fashion writer and head of fashion and beauty at YouTube, alsoshareda touching message.
“No one told a story like Andre Leon Talley. His inflection, his intonation, his hand gestures: He could spin a fairy tail out of a ruffle or a sleeve. He breathed fashion,” he wrote alongside a photo of the two together. “He broke barriers in this industry. He was original, funny, biting, ornate, and utterly fabulous. As a Vogue intern in college, he gave me my first break, and I’ll never forget his kindness and encouragement. I’m saddened to hear of his passing and send love and best wishes to all of us who will miss him 🕊.”
Daniel Martin, makeup artist toMeghan Markle, shared that he was “at a loss for words.”
“We’ve had so much death in the last couple months,” hewrote"Rest in power#andreleontalley😞💔.”
“It was a honor to work with you and to know you😢🕊,” modelTyson Beckfordtold the “icon” in anInstagrampost.
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Stylist Karla Welchsaidof Talley, “⭐️ A King has departed ⭐️ Rest in the most glorious, ALT,” and women’s fashion brand TOMEwrote, “So many legends now lost to Covid. RIP André#AndreLeonTalley.”
Vincent Oquendo, makeup artist to stars likeNina DobrevandEmma Roberts, also shared a message in honor of Talley.
“RIP legend. There has never been another and there will never be another quite like you,” Oquendosaidalongside a photo of Talley smiling, Louis Vuitton bags in tow. “It was my great pleasure to share space and collaborate with you. Rest in power.”
In aphotoof her wrapping her arms around Talley, Angela Simmons called the loss “heartbreaking,” adding, “#RIHLegend 🙏🏽 Prayers for his family and loved ones. André Leon Talley.”
source: people.com
