As we celebrate the one year anniversary of André Leon Talley's passing, the beloved fashion editor continues his lasting impact. New York auction house, Christie's, has unveiled The Collection of André Leon Talley, an auction comprising of 448 of Talley's most prized possessions where the proceeds will benefit the communities closest to his heart.
Those beneficiaries include the Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Talley's hometown of Durham, North Carolina.
Taking place from January 27 until February 17, before the auction goes live the collection of personal treasures will embark on a world tour of its own. First, a selection of the collection will touch down for a viewing in Palm Beach, before heading to Paris in time for couture week. It will then return to New York City for an in-person auction, where 68 lots will sell. The remaining lots will be auctioned online between the aforementioned dates.
As expected, Talley's possessions reflect the textured life he led, ensconced by the world of fashion, art and culture. Included in the auction are a host of his signature and singular kaftans from Chanel, Tom Ford, Gucci, Dapper Dan, Ralph Rucci and Nigerian designer Patience Torlowei, along with that brick red sleeping bag coat from Norma Kamali worn in The Gospel According to André.
Elsewhere, you'll find a handful of artworks from Andy Warhol and a portrait from Kim Cole Moore, a set of three Louis Vuitton monogrammed with Talley's initials, signed illustrations of Talley by his close friend Karl Lagerfeld, a Louis XV console table previously owned by Jane Engelhard, wife of Oscar de la Renta, and portraits of Talley's influential friends taken by equally influential people; think Bob Colacello capturing Bianca Jagger, Andy Warhol and Talley and a Bill Cunningham photograph of Diana Vreeland. Iconic.
Given that the estate of Joan Didion drew intense attention and hype, with a pair of the late author's Celine sunglasses fetching $27,000, it's difficult to measure how Talley's estate will be received. All we know is, like André Leon Talley himself, it's going to be big.
Explore The Collection of André Leon Talley at Christie's for yourself.
