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 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 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 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 exhibition at SCAD is more than a display of clothing; it’s a celebration of a life dedicated to the art and culture of fashion. It honors a man who used his intellect and his wardrobe to break barriers and inspire countless people to see the world with a more expansive and beautiful vision. It provides a unique opportunity for both students and the public to immerse themselves in the world of a true original, reinforcing the idea that style is a deeply personal and powerful form of self-expression that, when wielded with purpose, can indeed be forever.
