A major new exhibition at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is set to celebrate the profound and lasting influence of André Leon Talley, one of the fashion world’s most singular figures. Titled “André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever,” the show goes beyond a mere display of designer garments to provide an intimate portrait of a life lived through clothes. It is a retrospective that honors his unique personal style, his intellect, and his unwavering dedication to fostering new talent within the industry. This curation is not just a tribute to his fashion sensibility but a testament to his legacy as a cultural icon and a beloved 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 exhibition’s title, “Style Is Forever,” encapsulates Talley’s belief that style transcends fleeting trends and is an expression of one’s inner character. This philosophy is evident in the clothes themselves, which reflect his daring aesthetic, his love of color and volume, and his ability to carry grandiosity with an air of effortless grace. It is a powerful reminder that his impact extended beyond what he wore; it was about how he wore it and what it symbolized. He used fashion as a tool for self-expression, empowerment, and a way to navigate a world that was not always welcoming to him.
SCAD’s choice to showcase this exhibition at its museums in Atlanta and Savannah is especially appropriate due to Talley’s deep and significant connection with the university. For more than twenty years, he acted as a mentor and friend to SCAD, leveraging his influence to enhance the student journey and promote cultural conversation. He organized multiple renowned exhibitions for the university and was a trustee, demonstrating a continuous dedication to nurturing future creative talents. This exhibition is a lasting tribute to the students he frequently motivated, providing them with a tangible link to his innovative realm.
The exhibition catalogue accompanying the event, showcasing fresh photography by SCAD graduate Allen Cooley and essays by Talley’s friends and associates, further cements his enduring influence. These written testimonials and historical images provide a thorough perspective on his professional journey, intellectual depth, and unique linguistic style. They place his impact as a “kingmaker” in fashion in context, highlighting his ability to inspire audiences to appreciate aesthetics through an expansive view of beauty, identity, authenticity, and empowerment. Like the exhibition, the catalogue serves as a tribute to his lasting impact and significant contributions to the realm of fashion.
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.
