André Leon Talley tells us why dressing well is a moral code​

André Leon Talley dropped by the Q studio to talk about the barriers he faced on his way to the top growing up Black, gay and fashion-obsessed in a relatively conservative environment. A new documentary about his life, The Gospel According to André, is out now.
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[@618B]

There will never be another Andre Leon Talley.

[@incomingmail2609]

What an immense wealth of knowledge. Andre is truly a gift to fashion and any human who chooses to chase their dreams. Rest well!

[@TheMohawk102]

i could listen to andre for hours .

[@QwithTomPower]

He's got so many stories! He really should start a podcast where he tells all of his stories.

[@tonihogan9817]

alejandro fernandez OMG me to lol

[@faithd.s8081]

WOW ITS 2021 💡

[@iwainacomer8698]

As well as I, loved his voice and he was very articulate. May your soul rest in perfect peace Mr. Tally, a fashion giant sleeps. 🕊️ 🕊️

[@myfriendisaac]

3:24 “The armor of confidence.” WHEW! I can relate to that. His wisdom will live on 👏🏾💐

[@dtrn254]

Andre was simply gifted. His 'knowledge' carried him all around the world....his mind can not be matched.

[@shaniquatennille]

Fashion is a moral code. I strongly agree.

[@anonymousgirl799]

RIP Andre Leon Talley...your brilliance will be missed.🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@dawnlovejoy8917]

it's so reassuring to know that even the most successful, outwardly confident person has the same doubts and insecurities as the rest of us.

[@whatevawhateva8684]

Yes oh 😀

[@Mloofylicious]

He was outwardly confident because he was naive to to think he can get away with anything and blame those who didn't adore him for all sorts of discrimination when it turned out friendship is an abstract concept in the world of rich and famous. When the bubble finally burst it dawned on him he had nowhere else to go because he never thought he'd need a plan B in life. I don't feel sorry for him. Nobody is irreplaceable, the world doesn't owe us anything.

[@bukeaor2961]

A moving library 📚 of fashion, design, designers and all things fashion ! A fashion think tank ! He lived, spoke and exuded fashion ! This man is extraordinary and just a force to reckon with . His mental memory and fashion database is second to none, and not one ☝🏾 person even Anna Wintour can match Andre ‘ , he was a fashion God editor ✍️ and deserved the world 🌍 more of what he contributed to the world of fashion.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

You are exaggerating

[@Keenonf]

"I've only just read my first copy of vogue 6 months ago" Andre:".... well that's your loss" Fantastic!

[@QwithTomPower]

He's always quick on the draw!

[@artnunymiss2530]

Oh, the shade at the end!

[@pam0626]

I totally understand the escapism Andre found through magazines. I read Seventeen magazine faithfully when I was a teen. I read those issues so much that the spines were yellowed and the pages dog-eared. The photographs and stories allowed me to envision a world outside of my small town, a way to dream of bigger things.

[@lyledeyounges1276]

Really enjoyed this interview. I have watched everything featuring this man on KZbin - and trust, there is not enough. So I can't wait to watch the documentary.

[@QwithTomPower]

Well, thank you! Yes, this documentary is going to be amazing. It'll show a new side of Andre Leon Talley that we haven't seen before. Thank you so much for watching!

[@TheVictoryChaser]

Isn't he Great!

[@lyledeyounges1276]

He really is!

[@alex-od8oe]

This was an amazing listen. He changed the world for the better. God bless his soul.

[@BarbieGirlRiahh93]

Lmao the awkward silence when he said he read his first vogue magazine 6 months ago 😂 I love Andre Leon Talley

[@marloncervantes2512]

Polish. Style. It’s never about money. To put our best foot forward brings out pride in ourselves. We carry ourselves differently. Sage words Andre!

[@yvonneboaten8289]

Beautiful interview. He should have lectured after Vogue. He is a great story teller.

[@jacquesnaugaus1891]

I just love this man. Rest in Peace

[@thekaerichtexas]

When andre talks I think of nina simone. He's so matter of fact and no nonsense just like Nina. I've watched a few of his interviews...he admitted to being insecure. ALOT of times you see the insecurity but his personality is so magnanimous and he knows he's top notch. He may have overcompensated for those insecurities. He says he never had any great love or meaningful relationships instead he threw himself into work. I wish him well and I wish he could have taken more time to have meaningful personal relationships. I'm sure he made is grandma proud

[@SandraNelson063]

Polish---he means having self respect. How do you want the world to see you? How do you want the world to TREAT you? Are your clothes clean? Mended? Have YOU washed? Do your clothes fit properly? Is your hair clean and tidy? Your hands? Are your nails tidy? Do you treat yourself with respect? If you don't, why should the rest of the world? I had to give up reading Vogue several years ago. I found myself wanting to LICK the pages with Prada on them.

[@dmuwina]

Nicely said, entirely agree!

[@silverdragon710]

Sandra Nelson I also think he literally means polish

[@NDGOCHYLD]

Exactly.

[@periscope7731]

It’s not shallow to want to announce that you take pride in your appearance.

[@gloriajernigan8026]

I just refuse to meet that standard...and have been treated badly often. Still appreciate style and fashion. Much respect!

[@deesong6722]

He has such an interesting life. Looking forward to reading his new book.

[@snow40741]

Yes...I agree because not only do you represent yourself but your elders before you...I was blessed to know what suited me in my thirties...I am most comfortable when I am put together in my classic style...it suits me...I wear it well...I walk out with confidence to focus on the challenges of the day without giving my appearance a second thought knowing that I am carrying myself and making my ancestors proud! Remember you are your own BRAND...famous or not! So what do you want your brand to say about you!

[@MLKLegacy2]

He was so well spoken. My goodness ❤️

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

Well spoken ? Are you kidding me ? “ pitcher “ instead of picture ? And on top of everything a huge narcissist

[@andrerodman-un2cq]

​@@user-ke8st8jc1vSo damn picky, he was very well spoken. And him saying pitcher instead of picture is very endearing.

[@user-ke8st8jc1v]

@@andrerodman-un2cq Endearing ??? It’s called UNEDUCATED

[@alinatarkhanian]

Polish is everything! Love that.

[@Courtney23932]

Never new he was from NC its been my home for over 20 years.

[@lastdays3148]

The one & only Mr. Andre' Leon Talley. I also believe that dressing well is a moral code I was a little girl in the 1970s and I grew up around glamour. And I am still carrying on the tradition of Glamour. The 21st Century and the Glamorous Days seems to be a thing of the past. I am so tired of seeing people wear their Pajamas out in the public the majority of Humans does not seem to care anymore about the Glamour.

[@QwithTomPower]

Sometimes it makes you wish for the good ol days. When people would take pride in how they left their house. Every shirt, crease or shoe had a purpose. What era were the "glamorous days" for you?

[@desiretakei5355]

Last Days Tell me about it. You go into certain professional businesses and people who work there look like they are ready for bed or the club! No self-love or self-care.

[@lastdays3148]

q on cbc The 1970s I am a Melanin woman and in our community we are known for Glamour. I also admire the 30s Glamour of the longer Elegant Evening Gowns. This is my opinion only but the Elegant and Glamorous Days were over towards the end of the 1980s Afterwards everything went down Hill from there. However I am still carrying on the tradition of the Glamour Days.

[@mariedeborahsmith711]

Last Days oh thank you, I feel the same way, my goodness even going to the theatre for a show in the evening people are wearing shorts or jeans.

[@mariedeborahsmith711]

Last Days Keep dressing up my dear, its fun being "overdressed" lol

[@kage122]

i miss andre so so much. if i could sit a theater and watch his documentary again I’d do it 10x over.

[@angelaanaconda55]

I understand that feeling of escapism with fashion mags... I'm 27 but I remember when I was 17 and was reading Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and living through the images and glossy pages. I fear magazines will be a thing of the past soon. I love instagram and Pinterest but nothing beats the physical thing imo.

[@QwithTomPower]

It's like photos. There's something really nice about looking through a big photo album, or having a polaroid camera out during a night out or something. As long as you keep buying magazines, they'll keep printing them :)

[@lastdays3148]

q on cbc,I still have my Instant Polaroid Camera and I love those type of Photos. I take photos of my family the old fashion way and I put all of my Photos in a Photo Album.

[@benajminpadilla6360]

So true.

[@homecookteresagreen]

There is nothing like flipping through the pages.

[@milesdavid4358]

Andre Talley, you are a genius. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie about you and I have recently become aware of your body of work. You are an icon in the fashion world and you are a man that has fought to continue expanding the focus of human, cultural and sophisticated fashion excellence. I traveled a good distance to introduce my daughter to your extreme level of excellence. Yes Andre; I realize that you are still waiting for that special 'love' in your life. We witnessed this week the passing of two geniuses. Andre...…we must continue to partake of all of the excellence that you have been blessed with. Let excellence and your superb Southern roots along with that beautiful grandmother's spirit continue to bless the entire planet and propel you forward.

[@scottbrandon9390]

I finished reading his memoir yesterday. It is a very good read. A lot of it is about relationships he has had with different people.

[@louisedost8476]

Very good Grace comes from God hello!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️and Mercy❤️

[@yvettemarshallTWN]

Andre. 💕 His voice, he’s so refined. I could listen to him talk forever! I’m not really into clothes or fashion as opposed to personal style, but I do love beautiful things. My great aunt always advised buying the best you can afford if it were only to be a toothbrush! And always wear clean undergarments cause you never know who’ll see them! And shoes tell you all you want to know about a person. You can almost guess at their mental state by the state of their shoes! Miss my women’s good advice, but they’ll always walk tall in my heart.

[@D.C.22]

The shoe thing I agree with...although "mental state" might be too broad. For example, I love shoes, but right now, I don't go anywhere that inspires me to WANT to wear anything other than something utilitarian and that doesnt cost a lot. So my shoes perhaps show my lack of "fashionable desire" at the moment..and lack of extra cash. But letting them look dirty or run down does show I'm not happy...🤣🤔

[@yvettemarshallTWN]

@@D.C.22 my point was that the state of your shoes shows how you feel. they are your “root chakra” and represent the protection for your walk through life and through the world. if you don’t take care of your shoes, you don’t take care of your literal foundation-and it shows!

[@abbeyhelene8695]

I love that man so much! He was such a gem to the world!

[@gabrielledesouter2804]

RIP 🪦 Andre Leon Talley I can listen 🎧 to this man all day ! You will be miss

[@mlvc82]

I LOVE YOU ANDRE!

[@waltersmith1267]

I bet he can read the crap out of people without even cussing

[@peruvianauthorities1739]

If you noticed in this interview . . . he's quite defensive! He's someone who obviously has had many hissy-fits in his life. His 'power' is fashion!

[@silverdragon710]

Peruvian Authorities He is. Kinda contradictory to the whole grace thing he was talking about. He acts as if everybody should understand and respect fashion.

[@deelewis2496]

they should ~

[@silverdragon710]

Dee Lewis Idiosyncraticly I’d make the same claim, but ,really, no.

[@wvanderwahl]

Yes, but he wouldn't need to do that. He went to an Ivy league school. He graduated from Brown. He's educated and cultured much more so than 99% of the US population. He's well read.

[@blam9346]

This man is a genius. Very brilliant

[@melvaallen2774]

Love being a fan of this man and such a great man to listen to his stories about how he made it in this world giving honor to God first and his grandmother second.

[@darlenelogoluso1552]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL VOICE!

[@kellyshapiro6580]

13:45 ALT’s reaction is priceless 😹😶😐 Fantastic interview!

[@QwithTomPower]

He's got SUCH a quick wit!

[@rodrigosays]

I think I know what Mr. Talley is trying to say. Sub consciously fashion is always a part of our lives. From the beginning of time humans found things to wear, and watched others, and found things in awe, and stole ideas. Now days with all the saturation I think he wants us to remember that when we put on our armor in the morning we are taking a conscious step to walk into the world and take it on. Putting a little more effort into how you present yourself will do you more good than harm. Just that tiny step of wearing what you want for your own reason can skyrocket your confidence and grace. Rest In Grace Mr. Andre Leon Talley, you have inspired so many hearts and lifted my soul, and I can’t wait to have a kiki with you in the afterlife!

[@louisedost8476]

Im learning sooooo much from André!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😷😷😷

[@0709happy]

I love fashion and my personal style! When you look good you feel good and you can do good in this world!

[@lightuponlight6727]

Yes Yes Yes....Andre you are PURE INSPIRATION!

[@user-qy6si7gr5x]

I love to dress up. I have been called the signature of fashion. But now watching all this Style, Grace and Charm to be with us for ever. It is ok to be COOL but not to be carried away. Passion for my soul is GROWTH AND KNOWLEDGE

[@charissecoal]

i didn't know what being fabulous truly meant until i came across andre leon talley

[@MarieAmicalola]

Always so eloquent.

[@Madoubfree]

13:48- close the casket. I love Andre!

[@allthingstonya8931]

Andre is so refreshing and full of knowledge. I’m taking it all in.

[@jessiejoseph1093]

Wonderful, great advice

[@vsboy2577]

Everybody should look their best.

[@babyfish1083]

His memory! Now I know why he is so successful.

[@Anteroization]

the interviewer .. was just plain all over the place , no idea what to ask and andre took all this with such class

[@musicartlover963]

Facts I agree

[@Creole_Lady]

Agreed. He was trash!

[@dominiquesmith8057]

Why was this interviewer being so condescending? He tone is so sarcastic and patronizing. Andre picked up on that energy. Give the man his respect interview guy, Andre' is a world class fashion guru!

[@dennisddeem3605]

i did not hear that coming from the interviewer. what are you talking about? i hear defensiveness from andre...but the interviewer is trying his best.

[@stephpavone]

I can’t wait to see this!!! I love ALT. I already know I’m going to want a narrated memoir.

[@santecolbert8629]

Andre was brilliant .I love and miss him dearly 💯🙏🏿❤️

[@beauty4u132]

Rest In Power King! 🙏🥂 American History Noir ❤️

[@rogerwinters9856]

Preach Andre love it tell them about your childhood with strong women at that time who went through a lot, I wanted my daughter to work under you I think you are so brilliant. hhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

[@papi2487]

He’s awesome

[@quithunt9313]

Good chemistry between the two this makes a GOOD respectful and enjoyable interview this makes people subscribe and search for more thank you for your politeness

[@QwithTomPower]

No, thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to watch!

[@cecilgstu]

Excellent interview!

[@panama507isa]

Intresting.... amazing.

[@teeniebeenie8774]

love him, witty/handsome/sassy and fun....best too u bb

[@TheDarkDresser]

All these years, I've just seen pictures of him attending many fashion events. When he was young, I think he had a head start on fashion from his love of Vogue and the example of his grandmother, that's why he was able to speak from knowledge when he was in his twenties. It's similar to teaching a child tennis at a very early age, so by the time the child becomes older, he/she has mastered the game. He's highly successful, but humble and not afraid to share his vulnerabilities. He's an inspiration. I laughed out loud at the end when he said "Well, that's your loss, " in response to the interviewer's admission that he had just read Vogue for the first time.

[@jareou]

I wish I had got to know him sooner in life. He was Brilliant!

[@boldandcourageous4176]

Rest in Peace Andre!!! I love his passion!!!

[@johngablesmith4671]

I love this man.

[@dawnlee866]

Ii collected so many Vogue magazines when I was a kid. It was definitely my escape as well & I love fashion.

[@Krazidawg]

He knew what he wanted to do at 9yrs old. I wish I had that clarity, to this day I don't think I have found my purpose in life. I'm envious of people that have that clarity and purpose of what they are supposed to do in life, what they are supposed to be.

[@patbrown5665]

I love this knowledge. 😎😎😎😎

[@xiomanaxoxoxo3212]

FASHION means you care about the VISUAL THERAPY of others. we do have to look at you after all.

[@whatevawhateva8684]

🙈🙈🙈🙈🤣🤣🤣

[@anonymousgirl799]

xiomana xoxoxo I dress for myself, couldn't care less whether others like it or not. Dress is about personality, style and expression.

[@eggedon6112]

@@anonymousgirl799 Gurl, Andre has spoken! Shut up!! (in my best Little Richard voice)

[@rosieb471]

@Egged On I dress for myself , couldn’t care less whether others like it or not. Dress is about personality, style and expression. Gurl, yo all need to get with the program.

[@sookyb]

"Well that's your loss"...lol. Rest in peace sir Andre

[@qc4wings]

The constant questioning of Andre' Leon Talley's race and culture are disrespectful. It's greatly important that Andre' Leon Talley's culture and embrace of his Grandmother and ancestors continued adoration, respect and mention of them by Andre' Leon Talley, so profound 👏 But, Andre' Leon Talley is/was also a person. Respectfully, there was much more to Andre' Leon Talley that could've been asked of him during the interview. Intelligent man; about Fashion and philosophy, self-respect and much more that could've been better asked of him. As a Fashion Designer, there's history, influence, artistry, and a sense of one's self-respect, behind every piece of clothing, including the seamstresses, employees, and designers that sew every stitch ✌🏽

[@louisedost8476]

Excellent👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️😷

[@victoriagarcia5533]

I wish he could go through my wardrobe. So he can laugh:(

[@QwithTomPower]

Oh it can't be that bad!

[@PM-tc6sl]

He even said, do the best with what you can afford. :)

[@claisrose1350]

Love Andre❤️

[@musicartlover963]

This Icon is giving him all of the answers he needs

[@candy9986]

I concur ! Andre 💖

[@prettypoetess_]

thank you for this interview, here we can hear more of his inspiring perspective on fashion, rather than him describing what the icons around him thought of fashion

[@MJ-om5go]

The interviewer is tuff but I think Andre held his own. And yes plumbers can dress nice even at work.

[@QwithTomPower]

Totally agree! If you dress with purpose and care you can turn a pair of overalls into something nice and presentable!

[@sheLovesG]

The interviewer is an uncultured nitwit.

[@LaRonSantiagoMusic]

So true! I work in a warehouse and I dress up everyday, people would be confused but now they’re doing it, that saying “lead by example”

[@LaRonSantiagoMusic]

@@Creole_Lady I sure did

[@Creole_Lady]

@@LaRonSantiagoMusic , I believe you, and I think that's fantastic✊🏽

[@Roxberrie]

He's very interesting. I loved his stint ok Radio Andy I hope he host more shows.

[@QwithTomPower]

You're totally right! Andre should have his own show!

[@TheMandie1111]

Andre' looks great !!!

[@amyparra1881]

Preach!!

[@beauty4u132]

It can get you up the stairs 🥂❤️🙏

[@beauty4u132]

Good question regarding Grace. Greater answer about Grace.

[@STYLWALKER1]

GOD BLESS ALT

[@cardion411]

This was such a great interview. Thanks Q!

[@QwithTomPower]

No, thank YOU for watching!

[@i123456987654]

god he's amazing

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

"Peacocks...Pause"... This somehow made me giggle, because I never heard anyone in the fashion world use the term "pause" in the way he used it...

[@zerabrukazeb6848]

R.i.p🙏🙏

[@sophiaelayne9984]

I love him so much. People do not realize his contribution to the the world of high fashion. Anna Winter had absolutely nothing on him and everyone knew it.

[@zaisusnandi]

RIP KING

[@michellemason8498]

i love, love you.

[@circusm139]

“You should never wear brown shoes with a navy blue suit. You wear it with a gray or black suit” 📝

[@applecandyfolks7979]

If yves st ,laurent give you a cros from rafia you know thats really an icon becaue that fabric comes all the way form tanzania

[@jerrydeck7071]

I love you and miss you Andre you were a truely talented Hi Fashion Powerhouse ( Comment from Jerome )

[@JeanEDolin]

I really hope he’d teach classes!

[@AviM1010]

legend

[@i.m.7710]

We didn’t have Vogue in our house. Too expensive. When one came our way it was devoured! He mentioned his grandmother was a maid. I wonder if her employer subscribed to Vogue. A friend of mine was from a Mexican American family of 9 children. He mowed lawns age 13. One of his clients let him read all his scientific American magazines stored in the garage and my friend spent hours absorbing the knowledge. He joined the army during Vietnam, did radio work there, got a job in electricity at a naval base after the army and had a good full active involved career which he loved to the max. No college degree. My own little family moved in with an inventive housewife friend. Between teaching me to drive with all our little kids in her old primer gray manual VW, she would drive down alleys in Santa Monica and snag all the posh fashion magazines thrown out in the trash (no recycling cans in 1975). And drive to the back of Safeway for free fresh food newly expired or imperfect. Good times!

[@yanetsantana7349]

Fashion is an extension of technology. Separating us from the animals. Sophistication of thought and adornment. What the youth is craving.

[@Courtney23932]

I remember going to the movies going to see Juice I was probably the youngest out the crew my outfit had to be fly of course I borrowed my cousin 8 ball leather jacket with the latest flight sneakers I was still in that Tomboy phase. My style switched up my freshman year of high school I got into a fashion design class.it I still read Vogue magazine's my mom got me a two year subscription one year for my birthday.My family is what got me into fashion and we wore the clothes well the best of the best. My same cousin who let me wear his jacket used to wear a coyote fur coat with leather details on it of my youngest aunt that coat was bad he would rock that in cold weather. Man I have so many fashion stories people who haven't seen me in a while will ask me am I still into fashion. Always been passionate about fashion and its something I definitely want to get back into

[@beauty4u132]

Yesssss 🥂