André Leon Talley was an American fashion journalist and was also the editor-at-large of Vogue magazine. Talley was instrumental to Vogue’s vision and direction in the ’80s and ’90s. He was one of the most influential personalities of the fashion world. In 2021, France awarded him the Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres honor for arts and letters.
Talley was born on October 16, 1948, in Washington, D.C. He was raised by his grandparents. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French literature in 1970. His influence in the fashion world has been far-reaching and he’s shaped Vogue Magazines creative directions. In 2007, Talley was ranked 45th in Out magazine’s “50 Most Powerful Gay Men and Women in America”. He passed away on 18 January 2022.
1 I love people, it’s not fashion, it’s people who are in fashion that I love. -André Leon Talley
Fashion is about the people more than anything else. It’s about the confidence they exude and the elegance with which they live.
2 The zenith of elegance in any woman’s wardrobe is the little black dress, whose power suggests elegance and refinement. -André Leon Talley
There’s nothing more elegant and graceful than a black dress. It’s classy, beautiful and powerful.
3 Wearing clothes should be a personal narrative of emotion. I always respond to fashion in an emotional way. -André Leon Talley
What you wear is your personal decision and no one else should have a say in it. It’s a part of your personal and emotional expression.
4 I believe there is a heaven. I believe that God has given me the resilience and survival skills to withstand the gauze trenches. -André Leon Talley
We would never know for certain the answer to the question whether God exists or not. Some people though feel the presence of a higher power which guides and gives them strength in hard times.
5 You can never have too many black shoes. Never. -André Leon Talley
Black is the most powerful fashion statement ever. There’s nothing more classy than something black to wear. You can fill your entire wardrobe with black dresses and shoes and it still wouldn’t be enough.
6 There is room in the world today for men to wear dresses. -André Leon Talley
The fashion world today has transcended typical gender roles. There’s room in the world for men to wear what they want as the concept of “feminine” or “masculine” clothing is gradually disintegrating.
7 Beauty is health. Health is beauty. -André Leon Talley
Health is the most precious thing in our life. Good health is what makes you beautiful. The healthier you are, the more beautiful you will be.
8 I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don’t want to see skyscrapers. -André Leon Talley
Nature is the most beautiful part of this world and we’ve destroyed too much of it already. There is no green anymore, just buildings, skyscrapers, roads and cars. We are essentially digging our own graves.
9 Reality TV, even though I’m a part of it, I think reality TV is a terrible thing. -André Leon Talley
Reality TV may seem fun to watch for a while, but the truth is that it’s part of today’s toxic culture. It targets people for their weaknesses and showcases it for the masses to see.
10 I don’t take down. I prefer to build. -André Leon Talley
Aim to build and create, not destroy. It’s easier to destroy things, but it takes a whole lot of effort and time to make something truly beautiful.
10 Best Quotes By The Vogue Legend André Leon Talley
1. I love people, it’s not fashion, it’s people who are in fashion that I love. -André Leon Talley
2. The zenith of elegance in any woman’s wardrobe is the little black dress, whose power suggests elegance and refinement. -André Leon Talley
3. Wearing clothes should be a personal narrative of emotion. I always respond to fashion in an emotional way. -André Leon Talley
4. I believe there is a heaven. I believe that God has given me the resilience and survival skills to withstand the gauze trenches. -André Leon Talley
5. You can never have too many black shoes. Never. -André Leon Talley
6. There is room in the world today for men to wear dresses. -André Leon Talley
7. Beauty is health. Health is beauty. -André Leon Talley
8. I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don’t want to see skyscrapers. -André Leon Talley
9. Reality TV, even though I’m a part of it, I think reality TV is a terrible thing. -André Leon Talley
10. I don’t take down. I prefer to build. -André Leon Talley