Before she introduced celebrity contestants and their pro partners on Dancing With the Stars, Tyra Banks passed down her knowledge of the fashion industry to hopefuls on America’s Next Top Model for 23 seasons. During her time on the reality show, she was a judge alongside a dozen fashion icons, including her dear friend André Leon Talley.
On January 18, news broke that the fashion journalist died at the age of 73 and Tyra was among the many celebrities who paid tribute to the trailblazer. Hailing from Washington, D.C., André rose to fame while at Vogue where he worked his way up to news director in 1983 and later made history when he became the first Black male creative director in 1988. Apart from his undeniable influence in the fashion industry, Tyra also knew him as a remarkable person on and off the runway.
“I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion ‘fabulousness’ and real down-home southern comfort love until I met @andreltalley,” she wrote on Instagram. “Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher - a generous, genius historian.”
She continued: “Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend…you are resting now, Dearest André. But your spirit, your ‘je ne sais quoi’, your VOICE - your laugh, your screams of effervescent, delightful joy…I hear it now. And will forever. We all will. 💛.”
Reacting to Tyra’s heartfelt words, fans were overwhelmed with emotions too, posting crying emojis, prayer hand emojis and heart emojis. Others reached out to the former supermodel in the comments section with kind messages.
“My deepest condolences…this is a great loss 💔💔💔,” one person wrote. “My heart is aching for you right now. He was one of the most, if not, the most iconic judges. So funny, so kind and so opinionated and lovely to watch,” another added. “His legendary impact on our community and the world will never be forgotten,” a follower commented.
After holding his creative director position through 1995, André joined the W magazine team and continued contributing to Vogue. Ultimately, he returned in 1998 to become Vogue’s editor-at-large until 2013. André became synonymous with ANTM when he came on to the panel in 2010 for cycles 14 to 17.
A statement on his official Instagram page read in part: “Mr. Talley was the larger-than-life, longtime creative director at Vogue during its rise to dominance as the world’s fashion bible. Over the past five decades as an international icon was a close confidant of Yves Saint Laurent, Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso, Diane von Furstenberg, Bethann Hardison, Manolo Blahnik and he had a penchant for discovering, nurturing and celebrating young designers.”
