From Friends, Kudos to Fashion Legend André Leon Talley
Fond Memories of André Leon Talley
André Leon Talley was a journalist, a fashion icon, a mentor, an advisor and a leader too. A pioneer in the fashion world, representing our community at large. Routes wanted to send him “Home” in style — the only way Talley travelled anywhere. We asked former Essence magazine Fashion Editor, and now our own, Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse to invite her fashionistas to pay tribute to André as he swaggers along our imaginary fashion show runway.
Ionia Dunn Lee Cisse
André Leon Talley designed his own seat at the table of Fashion Dignitaries. He wrote and spoke from his heart, as only a Spiritual Fashion Visionary would do. I met André in the 1980’s while attending fashion shows around the country and abroad. I still can remember leaving a Stephen Burrows fashion show downtown Manhattan, and André asking me if I would ride with him, in his limo, to the next fashion show uptown. André was always very kind, thoughtful, and polite towards me. He touched many lives in very special and unique ways “Giving Back”.
Ionia gives the nod for friends to begin. André’s friends, admirers, and mentees share their personal interactions with him; stories of his flair; his signature Afro-infused style; and the grace that was André Leon Talley’s alone.
Iconic Fashion Designer Stephen Burrows
He was the Fashion Industry’s Poet Laureate!!!! There will never be another like André Leon Talley!!!!! RIP André.
Audrey Smaltz, Fashion Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of the Ground Crew, Commentator for Ebony Magazine’s Fashion Fair.
Mr. ALT would find new Black designers and call me to help them put on a fashion show. André introduced me to designer Mimi Plange. My top team members and I helped her produce her fashion show. Mimi Plange made a dress for me that I am still wearing to this day. Another designer that André called me to help out was LaQuan Smith.
After a few showings, the designers were able to pay. I met André in the early 1970s at a Coty committee meeting coordinated by Eleanor Lambert. At the time, he was writing for Interview Magazine and working with Andy Warhol. After I left Ebony in 1977, Eunice Johnson hired André. He didn’t stay with them long.
André did a fashion spread for Ebony magazine and they misspelled his name. I often teased him about it.
In 2018, an event for Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion was honoring André in Raleigh, North Carolina. He told them that he only wanted Audrey Smaltz to work with him for this event. We had the best time. André was brilliant. He had a lot of respect for me and considered me to be a dear friend who would always speak words of truth to him.
Veronica Jones, Fashion Consultant, Custom Entrepreneurship Coach and the First Black Buyer for Joseph Magnin specialty store, San Francisco (1976-1981)
André had knowledge that the fashion industry wanted to hear. His relationship with Diana Vreeland set him on the right path. Having the influence that he did, André impacted the lives and careers of many, while showing them that all things are possible. He was brilliant in ever way. André is the reason why many American fashion designers became relevant.
Susan L. Taylor, Founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement and Editor-in-Chief Emerita of Essence Magazine
André was an unapologetic peacock, a standout among the crowd, aware that he was standing in for us, especially the many Black designers who never got recognition. André Leon Talley was a proud Black man moving in rarified air. The high-end fashion industry thrives on exclusion. André included us — he brought a Black aesthetic to the formerly White only spaces.
Sandra Martin, Former Essence magazine Fashion & Beauty Production Coordinator
André was known for helping Black designers!”
Mikki Taylor, Beauty Icon and Editor-At-Large of Essence Magazine
Pausing to bow down to one of the most remarkable human beings!
Daryl Blank, Principal of The High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI)
He was such a good friend to the school. André Leon Talley was our graduation speaker for the class of 2008. In that same year, he served as “Principal for a Day”. On that day, he greeted the students, made classroom visits, and conducted Q & A session. He gave students meaningful advice and took photos with every student. Even with his high class position in fashion I will always remember André Leon Talley being a down to earth, friendly and approachable person.
Robert di Mauro, Lifestyle Commentator, Advisory Board & Founder of Industry Partnership Program, HSFI
As our special guest for a fund raiser and fashion show at HSFI in 2008, André was presenting designer Tracy Reese with an award. I was scheduled to introduce André that night. In preparation, I made the sign of the cross in prayer and as I looked up, there was André. He assured me that I would do well, and commented on how stylish my suit looked. André was a gracious gentleman. Anytime that we saw each other, he would always greet me in his charming and delightful way and that meant a lot to me!
In 2018, Deborah Hughes, HSFI Advisory Board member suggested that HSFI students create visual display windows in honor of André Leon Talley, Dapper Dan, and other notable professionals in the fashion industry.
André loved being involved with the school and he will be so missed by so many of us!
Sandra Manning, Retired HSFI Fashion Design Coordinator, CEO & Founder of Brownstone Bride
Many are called, but few are chosen. André Leon Talley was chosen to give back his wisdom and knowledge to our HSFI students.
Carol Herbert, Retired HSFI Alumni Fashion Design Teacher
André was a guest at the annual senior fashion show the first year that I was the show coordinator. Our theme was “Fashion Icons”. The fantasy scene included students dressed and performing as their select artist. André enjoyed the performance so much, that he asked to be introduce to our “Student Tina Turner!
Evelyn Nelson, Retired HSFI Fashion Design Teacher and Adjunct Fashion Professor at Parsons School of Design
I was present when André Leon Talley spoke with a group of HSFI students and took the time to comment on each of their designs. He was always interested in hearing about the progress of our students. André was a member of my church, Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, and he attended almost every Sunday service.
Rosa Chavez, HSFI Alumni Fashion Design Teacher, Admissions Associate & Study Abroad Coordinator
André Leon Talley was a grand example of passion. We were all honored to have witnessed him!
Belinda David, HSFI Alumni Fashion Design Teacher & Alumni Association Director
I am grateful for André Leon Talley’s contribution to our school and our HSFI students.”
Mimi Plange, Creative Director and Co-Founder of Mimi Plange, LLC
I met André Leon Talley in 2010. It was special, I was blown away. My teenage dreams had come true. He introduced me to Audrey Smaltz who became my professional advisor, and mentor for backstage fashion show production. André reviewed my collections, attended my shows, and spent personal time with me. We became friends and I really appreciate him deeply.
In life, all of us have our struggles that we have to deal with, throughout every single stage as we grow. To deal with your own struggles and still take the time to touch and nurture others is a gift that André Leon Talley gave me and many others.
Therez Fleetwood, Designer, Author, Tailor (Film/TV)
As a young Black woman, who was finding her voice in the fashion industry I looked to André Leon Talley as a mentor. I watched the way that he owned his craft, the way he owned his presence, and the way he enjoyed every moment of his journey.
Renaldo Barnette, Fashion Designer and Adjunct Professor of Fashion Design Art at Fashion Institute of Technology(FIT)
I met André Leon Talley while visiting New York. He and Diana Vreeland were together at the B. Altman store. Years later I moved to New York and whenever I saw him, he would always remember my name. I found André to be a straight forward man of good character.
Gwenveria Sargeant, Fashion Designer, Consultant, Educator, CEO & founder of the Fashion & Arts XChange Group, Inc. remembers when André Leon Talley called her personally to accept the role of being the special honorary guest at the 2002 Fashion & Arts Exchange Gala. Gwen affirms,
He embraced our students and our organization. He was larger than life and grand, but he was also humble and caring.
Ionia’s final words as André Leon Talley exits the Runway.
Rest In Peace, André Leon Talley. We will forever love you and miss you. We will always honor, acknowledge, share, and cherish the precious gifts that you gave to us all.
- From Friends, Kudos to Fashion Legend André Leon Talley - 04/01/2022
- Lisa Shepard Stewart – In Love With African Textiles - 11/19/2021
- Rick Davy, Creator of The Brooklyn Fashion Week - 11/02/2021
Very good article of people commenting on Andre Talley
Beautiful article and a awesome salute to a fashion Icon that look like me… Dress in Peace ! Love you mrs Ionia…