Reacting to André Leon Talley's Christie's Auction Catalogue

The death of André Leon Talley was an incredibly sad occurrence within the fashion world. His relationships with cultural figures like Diana Vreeland, Andy Warhol, Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Elsa Peretti, and Anna Wintour and his work for iconic publications like Interview, American Vogue, French Vogue, & Ebony magazines were monumental. And an auction of his belongings to benefit the Church he attended while he lived in New York only furthers his legacy!
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[@bluefood726]

I was 22 when I met Andre in a shoe sample sale on Mott Street. He was holding court and he took the time to focus on helping my friends and I shop for shoes (we were the only black girls there). It was touching and incredible and from then on, he was my uncle in my mind. I’ll adore him forever.

[@creepyspookyicky]

this is a lovely memory. thank you for sharing it ❤

[@case1962]

💖

[@sxt4447]

I met André in 2009 when I was 10 years old at President Obama’s inauguration in D.C. He and my mother hit it off immediately and, unbeknownst to them, they would both soon be excommunicated from the upper class friend circles that had brought them together on that fateful train ride to Washington. I will always love and respect André for his authenticity and warmth. Even after he and my mom lost touch, he wrote such a hilarious and heartfelt anecdote about meeting her in his memoir The Chiffon Trenches to show her that he would always value their connection. It’s a shame how Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld and many other people in the fashion and publishing industry exploited his brilliance and never truly gave him the credit, the salary, the respect or the position he deserved for his contributions. Everything he did, he did it from his heart. André made so many people wealthy, famous and well connected and in the end, these objects are all he had to show for it. Even as beautiful as they may be, he deserved more. I will make sure that he is remembered as one of the most influential and dynamic cultural icons in American history. God Bless The King ❤️

[@mrslovely1519]

*applauds*

[@happygucci5094]

❤❤❤

[@Persephone2211loveistheanswer]

Beautifully expressed.❤

[@LilBlue30]

*Things that didn't happen volume 23*

[@Aqc197038]

He should of had knowledge of self. White people used him and he thought they were his friend. Sad! Never Trust anyone!

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

For those too young to know this: 1. André was known for his boaters and capes/caftans, so the boaters had an iconic meaning even before The Chiffon Trenches cover. 2. The first LV monogrammed small trunk was also used in Andrés cameo on SATC. 3. In the BOOK “The Devil Wears Prada” the character of Nigel is based off of André

[@Jadorelainie]

And just like in the film, they've disregarded and disrespected all his hard work.

[@Daunou777]

Funny you should say that Nigel was Andre. I thought as much. Boater Hats indeed iconic and meaningful in men of a certain polished breeding and class. Didn’t see that SATC episode

[@olurevision2938]

Exactly 💯

[@assatacisse648]

Th lol love I’m p

[@ytknits4892]

I just read through the Christie’s catalogue online, and most of these pieces went for WAY more than the estimated price. I hope that’s an indication that they buyers really appreciate the significance of these pieces, and I hope they are preserved beautifully for future generations.

[@pa5666]

Those estimates were terribly low. Most of the same pieces on secondhand websites were going for more than the estimates at worse conditions. Either they undervalued his personal significance, or they knew people were gonna bid boatloads of money regardless because of how iconic the pieces themselves were (whether owned by ALT or not).

[@dwysan]

I know this was his final wish but I really hope someone does an exhibition in his honour because his role in the industry over the last 50 years can't be exaggerated. He was such a champion for creativity and expression and he deserves to be honoured 🖤

[@tarantellalarouge7632]

Here in France, we did know André Leon Talley, he was (like Suzy Menkes or Isabella Blow) one of those beautiful "migratory birds" who came, paid visit and left, and came back each year at the Fashion Week with their big personalities and crazy garments and hats ! Thanks for the quote about Serge Gainsbourg, he has a special place in my heart, he was such a genius and I am always stunned that people know him outside of France, though it is so well deserve, because a lot of his songs were in French even if he had worked a lot in London, Jamaïca and NY and was a true anglophile

[@srideout91]

The man, the myth, the legend. Gone but never forgotten rest in peace. His legacy will always live on in our hearts, and in the fashion history books.

[@soulfoodsmama2980]

This is actually so sad to me, I feel like André’s entire collection should be protected by the MoMA after all he’s done and they should be ashamed of themselves for letting this happen.

[@colleenharding8665]

This collection is intimate, and it feels invasive and disrespectful in some way? I’m glad I’m not alone for getting an ick. Like scavengers picking at leftovers? This feels bad. Maybe I’d feel differently if a very long time passed first?

[@rengokusfox]

idk i feel like material possessions shouldn’t be more celebrated than the person. his memory and legacy is all that really needs to be preserved.

[@Moonstonestardust]

These are all valid and good points to me. I think all your points deserve to be true at the same time.

[@whatadollslife]

This catalogue just shows he "really" owned the home he was in , he was disrespected by the person who tried to "take" that home ..if he would have wanted to buy a property he had tangible assets in just those bags alone to boost his purchase power ..I loved his book / which I'm sure also brought income to him ..I'm sorry he had to go thru that drama at the end of life and that may have shortened his life in any way ..Andre was an Icon

[@Bringbeautyzulu]

But he wanted this to happen. These were his final wishes.

[@bluegypsy71]

❤❤❤I love how Rihanna paid homage to ALT during the Superbowl by wearing the red cape similar to the Norma Kamali sleeping bag coat that he loved to wear so much

[@Cardsmaster]

Girl, Rihanna was pregnant. She wore a moomoo to hide the baby bump. She wasn’t not worried about Andre.

[@hollyhinman9818]

Really?!! 😍

[@57drdlk]

When I was a wee style/fashion student in Detroit in the mid 1970's, Andre Leon Talley was my touchstone to that world, those poeple. Of course, I never said this to him, we never met, but he was my Socrates.Thank you for sharing this with us. Your show is a joy to watch and listen to.

[@DCSquirrel]

I found your site after Joan River’s show ended and I was desperate to find someone who would rehash the fashion after award shows. You were so prepared and able to dissect the clothes properly: historical inspiration, comparisons to other designers, etc. I also appreciated (and often agreed with) your own critic. I’m so pleased so many have discovered your site and you are fast approaching 1M subscribers. Kudos on your channel.

[@hollyhinman9818]

Ditto! 😍

[@Yang-yang81]

Welcome!

[@Jeannine_9]

Andre’ is a real legend in fashion journalism and during his prime he was around the best and most influential designers. He made his impact and should never be forgotten. Thank you for covering his auction collection. Everyone else watch the documentary about his life

[@glennwalter1969]

I love you for recognizing the importance of Andre and his contributions to fashion! Keep up the great work!💋❤️

[@Richie8a8y]

Luke, What a beautiful Tribute to André. I could watch you give YOUR insights on fashion icons for days! You are just so well read, well lived, and so very likable. I hope I get to meet you some day at your book signing or some show or party. You’re just so likable.

[@Daunou777]

I very happy that you did this video. Andre’s life was stuff of Fashion Legend. I too lived through that same age when the concept of elegant travel was embraced and one could carry a Louis Vuitton suitcase on board a plane and have it respected vs thrown about by a gorilla. His taste was impeccable and his knowledge of French history and fashion unsurpassed. His contribution to the world of fashion will never be forgotten. PS he was a much loved member of the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, I’m happy to see his auction gave such a generous gift to the church. Also proud of Diane von Furstenberg for her generosity

[@Boertje247]

Oh, this is such a great tribute to a style icon! Years ago, before he was famous outside the fashion world, I was backstage at a charity fashion show, watching the models work the runway. There was a west-coast designer, Michael Novarese, who made gorgeous clothes that women wanted to actually wear, exquisitely made, always flattering. But he was not one to play nice with the dictatoresses of the haute fashion world, so he just quietly made his gorgeous day dresses and evening gowns and as he put it, made enough to buy lunch for his atelier staff every day. Anyway, one of Novarese’s cocktail dresses came down the runway. It was a black, white and emerald green silk print skirt with a cropped bolero jacket, the bodice being this gorgeous black lace with nude underling. The lace was re-embroidered with tiny black and green beads, and flowers from the skirt material were appliquéd heavily at the waist, fading to small sprinkled appliqués as the eye traveled upwards. It was one of those, “Oh! I gotta sell the kids and dog! I HAVE to own THIS” dresses. I was coveting it, likely green with envy to have it! A deep booming voice stage whispered, almost to himself, right behind me--“This is what stylish women who have nothing to prove wear. THIS is fashion!” I turned and saw André Leon Talley. Giant! Wearing a midnight blue black silk velveteen tux with burgundy lapels, a burgundy silk shirt, burgundy satin monogram Hermés tie. Who did that?! No one back then! His outfit just screamed “Style! I HAVE IT!” But we chatted a moment. No, that’s not right. He chatted. He dissected every outfit, why it worked or didn’t, what kind of woman wore it, would it be wearable in 5, 10, or even 20 years…it was a running discourse of him musing out loud. That he had a rapt listener was a small bonus. I got the impression he would have done the same had no one been there to hear him! I finally said, “Who ARE you?! You know exactly everything about what real fashion is!?!” He then introduced himself, saying he was Vogue’s fashion news editor. He then clasped both my hands after we shook hands, held me at arms’ length, and perused me up and down. “You look exactly as you should! Lovely! Who’s your favorite designer?” I said if I could have only one haute couture outfit, it would be Ungaro or Valentino. “Oh, I adore Ungaro. Perfect for you!” He was so effortlessly charming and urbane. He got grabbed away to talk to ‘important’ people, and I remember thinking about him and noticing how entrenched in the fashion world he was, yet, he was never pushed forward, never promoted in the way other editors were promoted or featured. A couple of years later, late 80’s, I was in New York, at an open air market and quasi flea market/swap meet, and I saw him. He was in a billowy caftan with a print reminiscent of a Gustav Klimt painting, including the gold! He gleamed in the early morning sunshine. I ran over to him and blurted “Hi! I met you at the XYZ charity fashion show in Los Angeles, and I’ve never forgotten you!” He laughed, said he remembered me, described what I was wearing that night, and then said, “…and you never should forget me!” We looked at a few stalls together, him describing the offerings, etc, and said our goodbyes. He was brilliant, deeply intellectual in a totally frivolous world. His like will be a long time to come along again. Like Diana Vreeland, he exuded style, elegance, and intelligence. He is sorely missed.

[@nadiam926]

I loved this video Luke. What a beautiful tribute. His book was so insightful into that world. It’s sad how things were for him, especially towards the end. But wow, what an amazingly adventurous and glamorous life he had.

[@chickenleg002]

Thank you for this sweet tribute to an incredibly nice human. I never knew him, but as someone who has always been intrigued by fashion I saw several interviews and he always struck me as an incredibly warm soul.

[@rudetuesday]

Thank you for spending time going through ALT's auction catalogue. I was struck in particular by the wear on that large Birkin bag. It's something he used and cared for, but didn't try to keep pristine. I hope his collection ends up in a multitude of places, with caring people who display the items or put them to loving use.

[@kellykerrick139]

I loved his knowledge, he was so intelligent and creative. I read his vouge articles since I was a young girl. He brought me so much culture.loved him.rip.

[@antipatsy]

Luke, you are an artist. You love fashion so much, you're so knowledgeable about it, and you have the word skills to help others see what is special (or not) about it. Thank for doing what you do.

[@ticiao]

Your great for doing this video. It’s so sad that some of these things are not going into the met or other museums. Andra Leon Talley will always be a famous icon.

[@doubleservings2890]

Still could happen; there are collectors that end up lending pieces to museums as a "safe place" to display and secure pieces 🥰

[@thomasbeeton47]

Luke - this is lovely and moving plus charming . The auction barely touched the impact of Andre on the actual fashion he influenced, and showed that unlike Anna W he was not just interested in merchandising. Thanks for taking your viewers a bit further into his life and legacy - excellent ! Tom Beeton , Los Angeles

[@lenkaiqus9844]

Dear Luke, thank you for all your videos, they are witty, entertaining and educational. I have only come across your channel recently and I'm really glad that I found it. One thing I'm really jealous of are all those books in the background! Could you perhaps give us a tour of your library? I am sure there are other bookworms here who would love to have a closer look :)

[@Erica-en2qz]

Thank you for showing us this. Very cool look into the life of a powerhouse in the fashion world. I need to read his book. I think that the Diana Vreeland on a horse painting was meant to refer to the painting Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David. ❤️

[@Normanabutler1]

His book is SO interesting!! I loved it! I am planning on reading it again just because there was so much to take in.

[@theshadowfax239]

Yeah, that was definitely based on the famous Napoleon painting, not on a George Washington painting.

[@RZ-ff5hp]

I LOVE THAT YOU DID THIS!!! I was trying to see what they had but didnt really look into it to much. Therefore this was the perfect video for this sunday! Love u!

[@Normanabutler1]

I loved his book! It was so interesting. I learnt so much from it not only about the fashion industry but also about so many iconic people that I wasn't even aware had met or been friends and acquaintances. I can just imagine the insane collection of items he must have amassed over his lifetime. I haven't read the Anna Wintour book yet but I will probably read the Karl Lagerfeld one first as he seems like another really 'complicated' iconic figure. And omg those suitcases / bags are to die for!😍

[@amandad6513]

So appreciate this video. Love ALT and the fact that you've put together this thoughtful post 💗

[@debbieharry4452]

Thank you Luke! That was a fabulous overview and nice brief history lesson. His contributions were tremendous may he continue to light the way for others.

[@sftraub]

The catalog for this auction should be required reading for fashion students. Looking into the pieces tells an incredible story of decades of fashion and pop culture and all influenced by the wonderful Mr. Talley. He was so under appreciated. Each person that comes to own a piece of his experience should treasure it!

[@vitorlucci7536]

André is a legend.

[@nickmichael5494]

Thank you for this lovely well informed video,you always do a great job researching and putting your videos together. Glad to see that the Auction raised over $3.5 million and that the funds are going to Andre's two favorite Churches. Rest in Power King Andre.

[@scorpleeon]

An icon I grew up reading about back in the 70s. May his treasures be protected and cherished.

[@happygucci5094]

A literal Fashion GIANT. Icon. RIP ALT

[@ABlueDahlia]

Couldn't love this video more. Thanks for doing it!

[@londonguyinstockholm]

Thank you for this informative and sensitive video about a truly brilliant man. I hope that a substantial portion of this auction is purchased by institutions for their public and educative collections … alternatively by philanthropic individuals who will donate the pieces to museums … André’s story is an inspiration! I hope that everything else is bought by folks who wear the hell out of it!!!

[@Lucie.Greening]

The fact he wantec all the raised money to be donated to his hometown church and the church he went to in NY...beautiful soul. Rest in peace, brother.

[@IGuess...]

YOU ATE THIS VIDEO!! Post an update showing the actual auction sales prices? Everything went for over the estimates! 🎉

[@mikeyhassnappedentertainme4375]

seeing my hometown “durham nc” mentioned in this video warmed my heart. he’s an hometown icon RIP

[@tanny6765]

A Perfect post ! Can’t believe it’s so good, I did not realize when it ended ! Great stuff it’s inspiring how he acquired all that stuff legally through fashion work! Some people look down on fandom work, it’s glad to see it paid him well In his life ! May he Rest In Peace

[@juanitaleak6482]

I love this video. You know your history very well. It was very nice to see his amazing collection & hear about the provenance of certain items. Sad to see it being split up. It is quite an historical archive of the fashion industry.

[@AmosAmerica]

Great post. First time viewer. Looking forward to seeing more. One FYI: The Diana /Warhol horse isn't Geo.Washington, but derived from a famous Napoleon portrait called "Napoleon Crossing the Alps"

[@LeeMubai33]

I still think Vogue never properly honored Talley's legacy. I hope whoever ends up with these items treats them with the respect they deserve.

[@Girl2TheCity]

Thank you 😊 for taking the time to show Andre passion

[@creepyspookyicky]

Andre was royalty to me. always impeccably dressed, taste like NO-ONE else, regal bearing, just incredible. i love that you love the weird, eccentric pieces like the Hermes bike lol. Those are what makes fashion fun to me. thank you for making this video!

[@pbsnoosk13]

Thank you for sharing!! I miss seeing him in photos of events. Your knowledge of fashion history is amazing! ❣

[@YonekuniKyuhyun]

Luke, i bought the book because of your recommendation, i still havent read it because i havent felt ready. I enjoy your videos so much because i feel like a casual chat, and i looove how much you can monologue from one thing to another and i eat it up. Thank you so much for helping when i feel lonely.

[@deemalan65]

I always learn so much from you…thank you! I think you might be one of my all around favorite people. I don’t seem to get tired of you. Thanks again!

[@NancyLDavis-ek4fh]

Thank you for sharing this!!! Such a wonderful man!

[@61hollywood]

I enjoyed this episode so much, I always kept in eye on what he was photographed wearing.. great man in fashion. I hope you are able to acquire a piece of his history.

[@valerieladeda]

By far, this is one of your best videos! Love.

[@JasJ8]

Really glad you made this video and paid homage to him. ❤ ( Hope you get one of those beloved items.)

[@samanthab1923]

All those names of times gone by. Worked in NYC after college in the 80’s. Had a Norma K. dress & Stephan Sprouse jacket. Like the one Cher wore on Letterman. Had a couple LVs. One was a graduation gift from HS.

[@MsMelyjean]

I love Andre. Thanks for doing this video. I may have never known about this auction.

[@lovethefields]

Thank you for celebrating his life through fashion

[@jimmw0187]

Really glad to see this. André Leon Talley is an icon and a legend, and will always be. When I first saw the title of this video, I said, oh yeah, I bet Andre and a lots of amazing pieces. Great video.

[@cozmicgrrl4674]

Thank you for doing this. It is more than appreciated.

[@sonjagood7305]

Thank you for all of this great information💜It saddens me to see his possession's go to auction and not some type of Museum😢💜 RIP Sir💜💜

[@anitarichmond8930]

High fashion is art come to life. I cried at the first fashion show I attended,so overwhelmed with the artistry before my eyes, fashion is magic that can transcend time, and man is legend in the game.🏆

[@veronicahidalgo171]

Thank you for sharing these few special items which Andre wore and treasure. He is now beautifully editing from the heavens and poissiibly with lots of friends you mentioned here, such as St Laurent, Versace, Mdm Chanel etc. I bet Andre is smiling down on this moment in time.💄🎩👞🛍👜👘🧤🧣🕶♥️🇺🇸

[@TajaMay]

OO excited to watch, I have a loved one who works at Christies and he mentioned this sale. so tempted to pick something up!

[@Richie8a8y]

Oh I hope you do! Good luck dear!

[@Richie8a8y]

Oh I hope you do! Good luck dear!

[@Richie8a8y]

Oh I hope you do! Good luck dear!

[@Richie8a8y]

Oh I hope you do! Good luck dear!

[@Richie8a8y]

Oh I hope you do! Good luck dear!

[@meganwalker27]

Andre was a force, rest in peace, sir 🤍

[@maluse227]

It genuinley hurts my heart that these arent just going into a museum, the man did so much, and changed the industry so much, he deserves all of the respect and so much better than he ever really got.

[@nunnaurbiznez8815]

I hope that some of these pieces will go to the appropriate place to immortalize his contributions to the fashion world.

[@kaseygoss]

Wow! What a legendary collection for a legendary man.💯 RIP ALT ♥️ I love that Rihanna wore a red sleeping bag coat during the finale of her Super Bowl performance.♥️

[@sarahwatts7152]

I liked this format! Yes thank you more please

[@user-qy4im8gd8r]

LOVED! Thank you. I was able to meet ALT at Abyssinian Church in Harlem. Nice man. “…that’s clan with a C and not with a K…” 😂

[@sandyg.3454]

Thank you for sharing this video. You seem to know your stuff and are well informed.

[@bevdejovine1299]

I always learn so much from your videos - this one was fascinating. Now headed to look for his books. Thank you.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

....get his 1st one....A.L.T.....and his last one....THE CHIFFON TRENCHES......however get ready...they are both filled with beauty...but there is more than a bit of pain in them....

[@Shockwave_MD]

i might make a bid or few myself. Great video. Love the Fire Island story.

[@stephanieparker5049]

His history growing up was from a societal perspective to say the least was difficult he is very important 🙏

[@Dimsrose]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that you're making this video. Obsessed.

[@lorrainewest8264]

Thanks for the amazing content. It is a loving and generous nod to ALT

[@icevalderrama1]

This is different from your normal content but so refreshing and beautiful.

[@sophiaelayne9984]

ALT was a supporter of John Galliano because Galliano was genius!! There was no one doing what he was doing at that time. I think big fashion houses were hating because he was so magnificent. In ALT book he hinted at Karl Lagerfeld being jealous of JG. Research some of his designs because he's "unique en son genre," as ALT would say!! OMG no one was bringing excitement to fashion until he came along. The JG's of the world come only once in a lifetime. ALT had an eye for genius and everyone leaned on him for it(while quietly denying they were). Anna Wintour.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

...it's a damn shame that NO ONE wants to tell the TRUTH...that ANDRE DISCOVERED JOHN GALLIANO....it's PATHETIC....

[@incoglido]

Great vid! That image of Vreeland on a horse is actually from a portrait of Napoleon.

[@D00BROWN]

Thank you again for giving us a lesson in history.

[@user-tt5xj5ib1e]

Thank you for the great video and the history behind each of the items. Most items went for wildly more than the reserve price, but it was buying a piece of fashion history from a fashion icon and legend :) 🤔😃

[@mattaaronwalker88]

This was fantastic

[@lenacali5912]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@thespannerbel]

Thank you for sharing some really interesting context, as always.

[@dees.4481]

What a great video! Thank you for sharing ❤

[@luannecarleton2791]

Thanks for this video on Andre Leon Talley

[@Heliophobic]

A.L.T. 💔 Stephen Sprouse was such an amazing artist/fashion designer, one of my all-time favorites, that would also have been a piece I would have loved to have bid on as well. I would also love to have been able to nab one of THE monogrammed LV trunks he adored so much and smiled when I learned that one of them was the trunk he had in his SATC movie cameo(Hey, I'm old, that show meant a lot to me as a teen.). I also really love the inscription in the pillbox hat. I'm glad that the Christie's auction was so successful. Much respect for such an icon.

[@RubyLaughter]

Thank you so much for this video. Well done.

[@angelapritchard6640]

Thank you, great job!

[@ravers1231]

I love that you do your research . Bravo!

[@MySelflessLove]

Your videos are a joy to watch because you're so knowledgeable

[@abigailgex9782]

LOVED THIS ONE!!

[@edglebennett6312]

Great video! Thank you for the education😮

[@beabravo6759]

Looking forward to that video you teased.

[@Talk2WandaVision]

Loved this! Thank you Luke.

[@dabigdikdangler]

Loved it, thank you!

[@SB-jn5ge]

THANK YOU🧡

[@cristiandeluca2612]

Those two monogrammed trunks went for $69,300! They were originally projected to bring in $4,000 - $6,000!

[@dereklwashington1132]

Thank you for this

[@thethriftinglibrarian2041]

This was a great video. I loved looking through Joan Didions auction catalog. It was full of crusty Le Creuset pots and book lots .

[@pb7353]

Super fun . . . And educational! As always. ❤🎉

[@MarioArcadioNarvaez]

So cool to see variety, diversified presentations, expansion....a fashion mind unfurling. What a charming young man.

[@AuthorLHollingsworth]

He had so many amazing items, and I hope that who gets them will honestly enjoy the fashion. He will forever be missed. 🥺🥺🥺