André Leon Talley has died age 73—fashion fans and celebrities share their memories of the legendary Vogue creative director

Andre Leon Talley died at the age of 73 in a New York hospital on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. 

It was announced that the legendary former Vogue Creative Director and Editor-at-Large, André Leon Talley passed away on Tuesday in New York. 

Although the reason behind the fashion author's death has not been revealed, some have speculated that COVID-19 was responsible. The Houston Chronicle reported, "André Leon Talley, the former Vogue magazine editor, and fashion icon, died Tuesday at age 73 of complications related to COVID, according to his longtime friend and Houston resident Dr. Yvonne Cormier. "

A statement was released on his social media accounts to notify his followers of his passing, but his cause of death was not confirmed.

The post read, "It is with great sadness we announce the passing of André Leon Talley on January 18, 2022 in New York. Mr. Talley was the larger-than-life, longtime creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world's fashion bible."

The statement talked about his influence and his role in the inner circle of high fashion. "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."

The statement continued to explain that the fashion journalist wrote for various magazines and led an enviable career.

"His byline appeared in Vanity Fair, HG, Interview, Ebony and Women's Wear Daily and he was the editor of Numero Russia."

"Mr. Talley wrote several books, including Valentino, A.L.T.: A Memoir, A.L.T. 365+ and Little Black Dress for Assouline, and contributed to Valentino: At the Emperor’s Table and Cartier Panthère." 

"He was the subject of the documentary The Gospel According to André and his recent memoir, The Chiffon Trenches became a New York Times Best Seller."

"In 2014, he was named artistic director of Zappos Couture, and he has been on the Board of Trustees of Savannah College of Art and Design since 2000. Mr. Talley was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the French Republic in 2020 and the North Carolina Governor's award for literature in 2021. He was a long-standing member of Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. 🕊 #thechiffontrenches"

High-profile designers and influential people in the fashion industry across the globe have paid tribute to the Vogue icon.

Diane von Furstenberg praised André on her Instagram as she wrote, "Goodbye 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 designer added sadly, "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 "

Actress Octavia Spencer said on Twitter, "I am sad to hear of Andre Leon Talley’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones."

Actress Viola Davis shared an image of herself with Andre on Instagram with the caption, "RIP André Leon Talley. Rest well King ❤️"

Fans of the fashion icon also shared their sadness at the news of his passing, "A legend and an icon! He broke so many barriers. 💔💔💔he’s forever changed the fashion industry 🙏🏾," said one fan.

Another added, "I wonder if he knew how much he was loved and how big an impact his passing would have on so many strangers who never got the chance to meet him, but somehow felt connected to him."