SCAD Unveils Exhibition Honoring André Leon Talley’s Fashion Journey

A significant new exhibition at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is poised to honor the substantial and enduring impact of André Leon Talley, a unique individual in the fashion industry. Named “André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever,” the exhibition extends beyond simply showcasing designer outfits to offer a close look at a life expressed through fashion. It is a retrospective spotlighting his distinct personal style, intellect, and steadfast commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the field. This collection is more than a nod to his fashion brilliance; it stands as a testament to his legacy as a cultural icon and respected mentor.

The exhibition is built around an extraordinary bequest of nearly 70 looks from Talley’s personal collection to the SCAD Permanent Collection. These garments, which include haute couture, bespoke pieces, and ready-to-wear, are not simply clothing; they are artifacts from his life’s journey. Each piece tells a story, from his beginnings in North Carolina to his rise as an influential editor at Vogue, where he helped shape the magazine’s creative direction. The show promises to highlight some of his most memorable moments, from the legendary Met Galas to his omnipresence in the front rows of fashion shows, offering a rare glimpse into his private world.

The curated selection on display features the work of esteemed designers who were also his close friends, including Givenchy, Ralph Rucci, Balenciaga, and Gucci. The exhibition underscores the deep relationships Talley forged with the world’s leading creative minds, showcasing how he was not just a spectator but a central figure in the creation of modern fashion history. The clothing is juxtaposed with cherished mementos and artworks from friends like Diane von Furstenberg, creating a multi-layered narrative that speaks to his broad influence and personal connections. .

The name of the exhibit, “Style Is Forever,” encapsulates Talley’s conviction that style surpasses passing fashions and mirrors a person’s inner essence. This viewpoint is visible in the garments, showcasing his bold taste, affection for color and proportion, and skill in maintaining grandeur with ease. It serves as a strong reminder that his influence went beyond his attire; it was about his manner of dressing and the meaning it conveyed. He embraced fashion as a means of self-expression, empowerment, and as a method to navigate a world that wasn’t always receptive to him.

SCAD’s decision to present this exhibition across its museums in Atlanta and Savannah is particularly fitting given Talley’s long and meaningful relationship with the university. For over two decades, he was a mentor and friend to SCAD, using his influence to enrich the student experience and advance cultural dialogue. He curated several acclaimed exhibitions for the university and served as a trustee, showing a consistent commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. This show is a final, lasting gift to the students he so often inspired, offering them a tangible connection to his visionary world.

The accompanying exhibition catalogue, filled with new photography by SCAD alum Allen Cooley and essays from Talley’s friends and colleagues, further solidifies his legacy. These written tributes and archival images offer a comprehensive look at his career, his deep intellect, and his signature flair for language. They contextualize his role as a “kingmaker” in the fashion world, someone who could stir audiences to view aesthetics through a broader lens of beauty, identity, authenticity, and empowerment. The catalogue, much like the exhibition itself, is a testament to the enduring power of his influence and his lasting contributions to the world of style.

The event at SCAD goes beyond showing garments; it celebrates a lifetime committed to the art and culture of fashion. It pays tribute to a person who leveraged his intellect and attire to shatter boundaries and motivate numerous individuals to perceive the world through a broader and more beautiful lens. This exhibition offers a rare chance for students and the general public to dive into the realm of an authentic innovator, emphasizing the notion that style is an intensely personal and potent means of expressing oneself, and when used with intention, can truly be timeless.