André Leon Talley

André Leon Talley (1948-2022) was an American fashion journalist, stylist, creative director, author and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. He was the first Black man to serve as creative director at Vogue, and throughout his career he advocated for diversity in the fashion industry. His ascent within overwhelmingly white, elite fashion publications broke racial and gender-presentation barriers, and his writing and editorial judgment helped shape how fashion was reported and understood. He was the author of three books, including “The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir,” which made The New York Times Best Seller list. In 2020, France awarded him the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. Across a six-decade career in fashion, he used his influence and public presence to expand the imaginable roles for Black and queer people within the media. Talley died January 18, 2022, at age 73.