Celebrities React to Death of Former Vogue Editor André Leon Talley
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Fashion icon and former Vogue editor André Leon Talley died on Tuesday at the age of 73. According to TMZ, Talley had been battling an unknown illness in the hospital.
As a boisterous fashion figure and trailblazing journalist, Talley was beloved by many in the fashion and entertainment world. He became Vogue's creative director in 1988, where he worked very closely with editor-in-chief Anna Wintour before departing in 1995. He returned to the publication in 1998 and served as editor at large until 2013. In 2020, he published a memoir about his life and career, titled The Chiffon Trenches.
Many have spoken out about his death, paying tribute to the legend. Tyra Banks spoke to Entertainment Tonight, calling him "such a prolific person."
"I adored André. Before meeting him, I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion 'fabulousness' and real down-home Southern comfort love. Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher — a genius historian," she said. "Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend … you are resting now, Dearest Andre. But your spirit, your je ne sais quoi, your iconic voice … I hear it now. And will forever. We all will."
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Other peers, colleagues, friends, and muses took to social media to honor the late writer. "RIP Andre Leon Talley. Rest well King ❤️ ," Viola Davis wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with the legend.
Actress Cynthia Erivo posted a video tribute to Instagram of the former Vogue editor, writing, "A devastating loss for fashion today. Rest In Peace Mr Andre Leon Talley. 🌹"
Kerry Washington shared a sweet photo to Instagram that showed her and Talley embracing. "Oh Andre! Heaven is not ready for you darling!!!!!! The whole afterlife is going to be just too fabulous now. Ugh! You blessed us! Sir! You blessed us with your charm and wit and your taste for the exceptional. You will shine so brightly from the heavens that we will know what true stardom looks like. And we will gaze up at you always. In awe. And with gratitude. Rest In Peace"
Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg also remembered her friend with a touching Instagram tribute: "Good bye darling André ❤️🙏… no one saw the world in a more elegant and glamorous way than you did ❤️🙏… no one was more soulful and grander than you were ❤️🙏…the world will be less joyful now ❤️🙏 I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years…. I will miss your loud screams and your loyal friendship…I love you soooo much ❤️🙏 ."
Paris Hilton shared a photo with Talley to her Instagram story writing "RIP @andretalley" alongside sad face, praying hands, and heart emoji.
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Andy Cohen, Octavia Spencer, Roxane Gay, and more grieved the death of the style icon.
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
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
RIP Andre Leon Talley. He was a beacon of style for so many. Just fucking terrible.
— roxane gay (@rgay) January 19, 2022
Farewell Andre Leon Talley. A towering figure, in every sense.
— Vanessa Friedman (@VVFriedman) January 19, 2022
An unapologetic force within fashion, the world became a little less fabulous today 😔💔🙈 Rest in fabulousness André Leon Talley 🙏😘
— Olivia Palermo (@OliviaPalermo) January 19, 2022
I’m sorry to say the extraordinary #AndreLeonTalley has died. He was such a force, & believed in the magic of Fashion & its illusions with all his being. His life was a saga of great highs, great lows, the dramatic, the ridiculous, and the endless pursuit of beauty. Love & RIP.
— bettemidler (@BetteMidler) January 19, 2022
💔 The iconic André Leon Talley surely left an impression on anyone that crossed his path. His talent and contributions to the fashion industry will be cherished and remembered.#ripandreleontalley @ LEGEND https://t.co/CtHcTYTaQC
— Niecy Nash (@NiecyNash) January 19, 2022