10 Of André Leon Talley’s Most Iconic Fashion Moments

André Leon Talley, who has sadly died aged 73, was a legend in many respects. He was the first black man to ever hold the title of Creative Director at Vogue, an early, outspoken and constant champion of diversity in the fashion industry and one of the most respected fashion journalists in the world with a career spanning five decades.

And then, of course, there was his impeccable sense of style and love of drama – making for countless iconic fashion moments in his time. His penchant for couture kaftans and bespoke suits led to some of the most memorable FROW, Met Gala glitzy event looks in history – and who could forget the scene in The September Issue in which he played tennis in monogrammed Louis Vuitton? Or when he uttered those now-legendary words 'It's a famine of beauty, honey! My eyes are starving for beauty!' He, on the other hand, provided a veritable feast of beauty.

His New York Times-bestselling memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, is also filled with brilliant pearls of wisdom and anecdotes from fashion's heyday, providing an insight into the mind and life of a larger-than-life stalwart of the industry.

Here, we take a look back at Talley's most legendary moments, in honour of fashion's most unapologetically fabulous force of nature.

Talley's signature style consisted of glorious, statement kaftans worn with fashionable flair.

Talley chose a dramatic, billowing silhouette in more muted tone to attend the memorial service of model L'Wren Scott.

The fashion legend unapologetically never quite got the memo about fur being over. Here, he pairs a fur-trimmed coat with a gigantic fur stole, and cosy UGGs – a classic Talley FROW look.

Talley stole the show in this colourful, silk kaftan for the opening of the 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty'.

One of Talley's most iconic looks, worn for Valentino's 45th anniversary party.

Talley was known for his love of bespoke black tie and colourful, couture kaftans – which he often wore together for red carpet events. Here, he is accompanied by actor Selma Blair in equally eye-popping colours.

Luxurious brocade was one of Talley's favourite fabrics, worn here as a dramatic, full-length jacket and topped with a large, golden cross.

The fashion editor and style icon in a quilted lilac overcoat, accessorised with vintage diamond brooches – and none other than Cher.

Talley shares a laugh with supermodel Naomi Campbell at a party, rocking his signature black sunglasses on top of a formal suit.

Even as a young man, Talley was bold and confident with his fashion choices – here wearing a pair of tailored shorts, knee-high socks and elegant velvet slippers.