The fashion world lost a beloved icon. André Leon Talley has passed away. The fashion icon, whose career in the realm of all things style spanned decades, will always be remembered for not only his innovations but his perseverance and joyful spirit.

Talley’s origins in the industry began as an unpaid apprentice to Diana Veerland at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. He later held positions at Interview Magazine, W, The New York Times, and Women’s Wear Daily as their Paris bureau chief. In 1983, he started as Vogue’s Fashion News Director until 1987, then became the publication’s Creative Director in 1988 for another seven years. He was the first Black individual to assume these roles.

Talley authored several bodies of work, including a 2003 autobiography A.L.T: A Memoir and A.L.T. 365+ in 2005, an artistic composition featuring images and narratives about Talley’s life experiences, designed by highly acclaimed art director Sam Shahid. His New York Times best-selling memoir The Chiffon Trenches, the second installment to A.L.T: A Memoir, was released. He also penned Little Black Dress in 2012 and wrote alongside Maison Valentino for 2014’s Valentino: At The Emperors Table. 

Talley was 73.