The highly anticipated auction of André Leon Talley’s estate is scheduled to take place at Christie’s, providing a glimpse into the fashion insider’s most prized possessions. Talley, known for his groundbreaking work as a fashion editor and former creative director of American Vogue, sadly passed away at the age of 73 last year. To honor his memory, all proceeds from the auction will be donated to Talley’s cherished churches in New York and North Carolina.
The collection, which will be sold through a series of live and online auctions from January 27 to February 17, will make stops in Palm Beach and Paris. Talley’s estate is a visual representation of his illustrious career in fashion, showcasing items that reflect his close relationships with renowned designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada, Ralph Rucci, and Tom Ford.
The auction will include his haute-couture collections, handbags, jewelry, and decorative objects that showcase his unparalleled passion for beauty and intellectual curiosity. These pieces span 50 years of fashion history and pay homage to Talley’s mentors and bosses, including Diana Vreeland and Anna Wintour.
Elizabeth Seigel, Head of Private and Iconic Sales at Christie’s, expressed admiration for Talley’s impeccable fashion sensibility and the uniqueness of his collection. From monogrammed Louis Vuitton trunks to custom Tom Ford caftans, each item carries significant meaning tied to Talley’s larger-than-life persona and enduring legacy.
The auction will also feature several other noteworthy items, such as an iconic Alice Springs photo of Talley, a pair of Chanel cuff bracelets, Bottega Veneta sunglasses, Baccarat candle holders, Hermés glassware, sketches by Karl Lagerfeld, and an Andy Warhol print depicting Diana Vreeland.
Beyond the fashion industry, Talley was deeply committed to his church community and regularly attended the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, North Carolina, and the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York City. The proceeds from the auction will be donated to these religious organizations, reflecting Talley’s dedication to his faith.
Alexis Thomas, a close friend of Talley and the executor of his estate, facilitated the donations and conveyed that Talley’s collection of exquisite objects, brimming with fashion history, is his lasting legacy. Christie’s aims to bring the essence of André Leon Talley to those who admired him, while also promoting diversity and expanding its network of vendors and contributors.
The tour and catalog of the auction will feature Talley’s mentee, American designer LaQuan Smith, as well as his friend and style icon, Diane Von Furstenberg. LaQuan Smith, deeply influenced by Talley’s mentorship and friendship, highlights Talley’s appreciation for culture, beauty, and support for artists. He hopes that people remember these aspects of Talley’s legacy above all else.
The André Leon Talley collection will have a live sale at Christie’s New York on February 15, with two online sales concluding on February 16 and 17. A selection of highlights from the collection will embark on a global tour, starting in Palm Beach from January 18 to January 31, followed by Paris from January 23 to 26, coinciding with the haute-couture collections.
Talley’s legacy as the first Black male creative director of American Vogue serves as a testament to his exceptional career in the fashion industry. Despite his humble beginnings as the son of a taxi driver, Talley’s blend of French studies and southern manners paved the way for his remarkable success.
Throughout his illustrious career, Talley worked for prestigious publications and collaborated closely with influential figures like Diana Vreeland and Anna Wintour. His passing on January 18, 2022, was attributed to a heart attack, likely exacerbated by weight gain and complications from Covid-19, which he contracted despite taking precautions.
The auction of André Leon Talley’s estate at Christie’s is not only an opportunity to admire his remarkable possessions but also a tribute to his extraordinary contributions to the fashion industry and his commitment to his church community. Fashion enthusiasts and art lovers eagerly await the auction as a unique chance to own a piece of Talley’s enduring legacy.
Useful links:
1. Christie’s
2. Vogue
