Emulating André Leon Talley’s maximalist style just got a little bit easier.
Designer pieces lovingly amassed by the late, great fashion journalist have been listed for sale at What Goes Around Comes Around (WGACA). The haul, which you can peruse online or in person at the luxury reseller’s Beverly Hills location, includes designer handbags, haute couture, custom luggage, and more. The 49 items were sourced directly from Talley’s personal estate or acquired at Christie’s Collection of André Leon Talley auction, according to WGACA.
One of fashion’s true pioneers, Talley started as Vogue’s fashion news director in 1983, before becoming the publication’s first Black male creative director in ‘88 and editor-at-large in ’98. He continued to work at Vogue until 2013, cementing himself as a force in the industry. He died last year at the age of 73 but left behind an indelible legacy. He also left behind some incredible designer goods.
“Just as André has shaped the fashion landscape, our collection encapsulates the essence of his style and the timelessness of his taste,” Gerard Maione, cofounder of WGACA, said in a statement. “We are proud to celebrate André Leon Talley, a true icon who has forever changed the way we perceive and appreciate fashion.”
Highlights of the collection include a couture leather jacket (pictured top) that Talley wore to a Chanel runway show in 2007 ($25,000), a vintage Hermès Haut à Courroies Birkin from the ‘90s ($75,000), and a one-of-one trunk from the collaboration between Stephen Sprouse and Louis Vuitton ($150,000). There is quite a bit of LV luggage on offer, in fact, including pieces Marc Jacobs designed and gifted Talley.
If previous sales are anything to go by, the pieces will be snapped up rather quickly. The aforementioned Christie’s auction, which took place at Rockefeller Center in February, achieved $1.38 million in sales with all 66 lots selling out. Christie’s corresponding online sale also pulled in an estimated $2.1 million. In addition, another auction of Talley’s personal belongings held by Stair Galleries last month realized more than $500,000.
Hey, nobody said emulating a style icon would be cheap.