André Leon Talley was not only a trendsetter in the world of what he called the “chiffon trenches,” but he was also a trailblazer for Black designers, stylists, and journalists. Perhaps best known for his work as editor-at-large of Vogue magazine, Talley, who died last January at the age of seventy-three, forged meaningful relationships with tastemakers like Anna Wintour, Diana Vreeland, Karl Lagerfeld, and Diane von Furstenberg. But before that, he was a boy growing up in Durham, North Carolina, where he papered his pink bedroom walls with pages from Vogue and wore starched white shirts to Mount Sinai Baptist Church, a central institution in his life. “Going to church, the way you dressed, you learned how to be,” he once told G&G.
Next month, Christie’s is auctioning the icon’s personal collection of art, fashion, decor, jewelry, and more treasures in a series of sales beginning February 15, preceded by a world tour of collection highlights, currently at Christie’s Palm Beach location on historic Worth Avenue until January 31. The 448 items reflect his friendships with artists, eccentric fashion sense, and love of couture. Most notably, portraits and photographs of Talley are up for sale, along with designer sunglasses, vibrant kaftans, and limited-edition handbags.
Proceeds from the auction will go to causes Talley supported in his life, including Mount Sinai Baptist. Below, a look at a handful of items for sale.
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
A navy silk faille tiered cape by Chanel comes with a standing collar with hook and eye closure and a court train. Estimated $3,000–$5,000.
1 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Talley was known for his flowing, vibrant kaftans. This green, white, and tan printed cotton kaftan is by Diane von Furstenberg, one of his closest collaborators. Estimated $1,500–$2,000.
2 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Each of these two Chanel gripoix glass and gilt metal cuff bracelets is signed “Chanel Made in France.” Estimated $4,000–$6,000 for the pair.
3 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Andy Warhol created this piece, titled “Diana Vreeland Rampant,” for Talley’s “Bridled Passion” article in a 1984 issue of Vogue. Estimated $30,000–$50,000.
4 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
The biggest-ticket item may be Andy Warhol’s “Candy Box (True Love)” painting. Talley grew close with Warhol while working at Warhol’s magazine, “Interview.” Estimated $150,000–$200,000.
5 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Karl Lagerfeld, the longtime creative director of Chanel, often sent personal sketches to Talley, including “André and Karl,” inscribed, signed, and dated in the lower right corner. Estimated $800–$1,200.
6 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
This set of three hard-sided Louis Vuitton suitcases is personalized with the painted letters “ALT.” Estimated $3,000–$4,000.
7 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
A pair of Manolo Blahnik evening shoes embellished with reptile skin and red silk is labeled size 13 (Talley was six feet six inches tall). Estimated $400–$600.
8 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Talley was raised by his grandmother, Bennie Francis Davis, whom he called “Mama.” This is a portrait of Davis by Kim Cole Moore. Estimated $1,000–$1,500.
9 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
This pink crocodile coat by Prada was custom-made for Talley and will be shown alongside similar styles in white and green. Estimated $5,000–$8,000.
10 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
An aquamarine, sapphire, and diamond pendant. Estimated $3,000–$5,000.
11 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Talley’s personalized Birkin with gold hardware by Hermès, circa 1990, is part of the touring collection, currently at the Christie’s Palm Beach location. Estimated $3,000–$5,000.
12 of 13
Photo: © Christie's Images Limited 2023
Alice Springs’s photograph, “André Leon Talley, ‘La Villa Vigie,’ 1989,” inscribed “with love to André.” Estimated $2,000–$3,000.
13 of 13
