Much has been made of André Leon Talley's new job as the editor at large of Numéro Russia — some even suggested that he was leaving Vogue for the position. But Talley himself said he took the job because he needed the money.
Jay Leno and David Letterman may soon have some very stylish competition: André Leon Talley has signed a deal to develop a late-night television show.
Talley has teamed up with Electus, the television production company that's worked on Fashion Star and Mob Wives, on making the concept a reality. He told WWD that he wants to create a program "that blends Dick Cavett's approach to eloquence and sophistication with unparalleled access into my international fashion lifestyle. A forum where unique stories will be told and inspirations shared."
Of course, Talley has been inspiring audiences on screens big and small with appearances in movies like The September Issue and stints on shows like America's Next Top Model and Entertainment Tonight. Talley will still work with Vogue, for which he stars in the weekly online video series Mondays with André, but there's no doubt his already high star is continuing to rise.
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The man of many capes is also a man of many sayings — and that's precisely part of André Leon Talley's great appeal. His innovative way with words brought class and sass to four cycles of America's Next Top Model, his insightful critiques bring levity to the monthly pages of Vogue, and his very presence front row at the shows has the magical ability to make even Anna Wintour seem like a barrel of laughs. How does he do it? "The fantasy that I live through every day is my own ability to entertain myself in my head," he's said. In celebration of his 63rd birthday this week, here's a look back at some of our favorite Talley witticisms.
All the news bits fit to print — here, in our daily roundup.
Every week, we'll ask our Facebook followers to caption a soon-to-be iconic fashion photo — and it'll be up to readers to decide which submission is the most hilarious.
First up: Anna Wintour and a slightly perturbed-looking André Leon Talley at the Donna Karan Fall 2012 show. What are they saying? Vote for your favorite caption below, and come back tomorrow to see who won the glory.
>> Get caught up on all of those stories and more in our daily news roundup.
>> Savannah College of Art and Design, of which Andre Leon Talley is a board member, will as of Saturday have an Andre Leon Talley Gallery in its new museum of art.
Talley has been helping the museum build a costume collection out of his own archives and donations from friends. The first exhibit will include the black gown Penelope Cruz wore to the most recent Costume Institute Gala, sent by Oscar de la Renta; a black sequined wrap dress, sent by Diane von Furstenberg; a Fall 2007 Prada coat trimmed with plastic fringe and feathers; a column dress trimmed with natural string from Tom Ford's debut womenswear show; and the blue satin Manolo Blahniks featured in the Sex and the City movie.
"The only thing I haven't thrust upon them yet is that I want fragrance wafting through the ventilation system," Talley said. "Either Oscar de la Renta's Live in Love, or Diane von Furstenberg's Diane."
It sounds like he might get his wish. Paula Wallace, president and a founder of the college, said of the perfume idea: "He has not mentioned that to me, but if Andre wants it, he gets it. The multisensory concept is so important. We learn, we feel, we think, we smell. Actually, I think it's a grand idea."
>> In effort to reduce its reliance on advertising, Conde Nast is expected to announce the creation of a full-fledged entertainment division today, The New York Times reports. "Developing television and online programming based on Conde Nast personalities, articles, and general brands is the first priority, although movies are also a focus." Dawn Ostroff, who stepped down as president of The CW earlier this year and has helped develop shows like Gossip Girl and America’s Next Top Model, will be running Conde Nast Entertainment. Perhaps this development has something to do with why Andre Leon Talley recently left Top Model. [NY Times]
