André Leon Talley - by Paula Wallace & Rafael Gomes & Antoine Gregory (Hardcover)

About the Book

Catalog of an exhibition held at the SCAD Museum of Art, Savannah, from 15 August 2025 - 11 January 2026, and at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, Atlanta, from 15 October 2025 - 1 March 2026.

Book Synopsis

A visual celebration of André Leon Talley's life that centers his personal style as a lens on his contributions to fashion history.

This lavish volume reflects on the life of André Leon Talley and his impactful ascent to the height of global fashion. Many of Talley's most iconic looks--from his suits and straw Breton boater in Paris of the late seventies to the opulent custom capes and coats he made famous--are newly photographed and presented alongside archival imagery.

From his days as Diana Vreeland's apprentice at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, to Andy Warhol's Factory and Interview Magazine, to Paris bureau chief for Women's Wear Daily, to positions at W, The New York Times, Ebony, and Vogue, where he served as the magazine's first African American creative director, Talley's exuberant personality and voice guided thousands through the glamorous world of high fashion.

Essays, stories, and memories from industry luminaries who experienced his singular character reflect on a legacy in fashion spanning more than four decades. A posthumous commemoration of Talley, this celebratory volume offers a rare view into his world, the people who shared it, and the creation of one of the most iconic figures in fashion history.

Review Quotes

"I'd like to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the lives of young people," [Leon Talley] said, not long before his passing in 2022, "that I nurtured them and taught them to pursue their dreams and their careers--to leave a legacy.'" -- VOGUE

"André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever, a history lesson for aspiring Fashion Week peacocks." -- NEW YORK MAGAZINE

"Published by Rizzoli Electa, the Style Is Forever catalogue features essays and reflections from Talley's closest friends and collaborators, including Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Teri Agins, Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Pat Cleveland and more, with new photography by SCAD alum Allen Cooley." -- EBONY

"The accompanying catalogue, published by Rizzoli Electa, features contributions from numerous fashion luminaries who knew and worked with Talley throughout his career. Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Teri Agins, Tom Ford, Carolina Herrera, Pat Cleveland and Mariah Carey are among those offering reflections and memories. New photography by SCAD alumnus Allen Cooley illustrates the publication, capturing the majesty of the garments and the spirit of the man who wore them." -- ROLLING OUT URBANSTYLE WEEKLY (ATLANTA)

"A printed companion catalog, produced by Rizzoli, features essays and anecdotes from those who crossed paths with the colorful Talley, including a foreword by SCAD president and founder Paula Wallace and the longtime Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour." -- GARDEN & GUN

"In tandem with the exhibition, Talley's "grandeur and global impact" is being brought to life in a book featuring "new photography" by SCAD alum Allen Cooley as well as images from fashion documentarians Jonathan Becker and Robert Fairer's respective archives." -- VIBE

About the Author

Paula Wallace is president and founder of SCAD and Talley's longtime friend. Rafael Gomes is exhibition curator and creative director of SCAD FASH museums. Antoine Gregory is creative director, stylist, and founder and editor in chief of Black Fashion Fair.