Tyra Banks has paid tribute to Andre Leon Talley after he died on Jan. 18, 2022, at White Plains Hospital at the age of 73. She recalled how it always felt “magical” to be around the influential fashion journalist and admitted she had learned a lot from him.
“I adored Andre,” she said in a statement to “Entertainment Tonight.” “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.
“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.”
Cynthia Erivo described Talley’s death as “devastating” for the fashion industry.
“A devastating loss for fashion today,” Erivo said. “Rest In Peace Mr. Andre Leon Talley.”
Billy Porter shared a video on Instagram of Talley talking about wearing a custom Karl Lagerfeld dressing gown.
He captioned the post, “#Legendary. RIP @andreltalley.”
Viola Davis shared a photo of herself with the writer.
She wrote, “RIP Andre Leon Talley. Rest well King”
Swizz Beatz also remembered Andre as a “king.”
He wrote on Instagram, “The Biggest fashion Boss!!!!! We thank you for everything King [rose emoji] the one and only @andreltalley you showed us the way wow this is a hard one 🙁 My condolences to his family at this time 1 of 1 …”
The influential fashion journalist and stylist was known for his larger-than-life personality and loud personal style.
Following stints at Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine and Women’s Wear Daily, Talley quickly worked his way up the ranks at fashion bible Vogue, going from fashion news director from 1983 to 1987, to the first Black creative director from 1988 to 1995.
