André Leon Talley
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André Leon Talley, (born 1949) is the editor-at-large for Vogue magazine and has been front-row regular at fashion shows in New York, Paris and Milan for over 25 years. He uses his influence to promote dozens of young fashion designers. He mentors young talent in other fields as well. His most famous pairings of late have been with designers Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson.
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[edit] Biography
André Leon Talley was raised in Durham, North Carolina by his grandmother Bennie Davis. Even though he did not live in the lap of luxury, his grandmother's fastidious attention to detail gave him an "understanding of luxury" (A.L.T.:A Memoir). He escaped lackluster Durham through the gripping pages of Harper's Bazaar and Vogue. After attending college in North Carolina, Mr Talley received his master's degree in French from Brown University. While at Brown, Mr. Talley befriended students from the nearby Rhode Island School of Design and often went on weekend trips to New York City. He is associated with former American Vogue Editor-In-Chief and Costume Institute consultant, Diana Vreeland.
[edit] Books
He wrote an autobiography, "A.L.T.: A Memoir" in 2003. The art monograph "A.L.T. 365+"(2005) features photos and captions from one year in the life of André Leon Talley.
[edit] Quotes
"It's not about canceling shows, but initiating things on an individual level. When much is given to you, much is expected. If you're an honest American, you can't wake up and not be affected by the neglect of the government after Katrina. You can't be an honest American and not think about it every day"
"Most of the Vogue girls are so thin, tremendously thin, because Miss Anna don't like fat people."
"It was magical. I felt the power and the drama"
"You come to Paris, you get true originality, and it's wonderful"
[edit] References in popular culture
- The Nigel character in Lauren Weisberger's novel The Devil Wears Prada (but not the film version) is supposedly based on Talley.
- Had a cameo on the MTV show The Hills.
[edit] Trivia
He is 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm) tall.
Styled Beyonce' Knowles in Armani Prive for the 79th Annual Academy Awards
He personally styled Jennifer Hudson in Oscar De La Renta for the 79th Annual Academy Awards