André Leon Talley, a major icon in the world of fashion and fashion journalism specifically, passed away on January 18 at the age of 73. 
From the 1980s into the 2010s, Talley exerted major influence at Vogue magazine’s U.S. imprint in a number of roles, from news director, to creative director, to editor-at-large.
One of Talley’s most important contributions to the fashion industry was his championing of Black and LGBTQ+ designers and models at a time when both were clearly marginalized.
Other highlights of his career include working as a fashion adviser to then-first lady Michelle Obama, serving as a TV judge on ‘America’s Next Top Model,’ and writing two memoirs. His life and work was also profiled in the documentary ‘The Gospel According to André.’
Talley’s death was confirmed by a post on his official Instagram page. It read: 'Mr. Talley was the larger-than-life, longtime creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world's fashion bible.'
'Over the past five decades as an international icon was a close confidant of Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso, Diane von Furstenberg, Bethann Hardison, Manolo Blahnik and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers.'
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