Those fortunate enough to spend time with André Leon Talley immediately picked up on his style, quick wit, and exquisite eye for and interest in beauty. Such facets informed all aspects of his life, from the parties he covered for WWD early on in his career and the fashion spreads he produced for Vogue and Vanity Fair, to the garments, accessories, objets, books and photographs he collected over his iconic career.

On September 21 in Hudson, NY, STAIR will be staging an unprecedented auction of The Collection of André Leon Talley, which, according to the auction house, reflects all the facets of his life and is the legacy he leaves behind for all those who knew, admired, and championed him.

“We keep hearing from colleagues, friends, and family that this is their last chance to own a piece of this trailblazer’s life!” Muffie Cunningham, Director of Decorative Arts at STAIR, said. “This auction is very unique as it is an in-depth and personal look at this pioneering American Icon. As expected, we have high-end, custom-made one-of-a-kind pieces like a pair of Christian Dior size 16 fur-lined hip boots personally designed for André by John Galliano, a robe by Todd Oldham, numerous handmade Manolo shoes and custom-made boots.”

The auction, with over 400 lots, is more extensive than last February’s highly-curated Christie’s sale and no less extraordinary, featuring a wide range of items including pieces from his homes in White Plains, NY and Durham, NC. For example, the auction includes a wicker bar set with monogrammed cocktail napkins, Venetian glass stemware and giltwood mirrors, along with two pieces of Bottega Veneta luggage, Mohair throws and Christian Lacroix jewelry, and artwork by Bruce Weber, Beatrice, Caracciolo, and Arthur Elgort. There are items from Talley’s personal couture collection, and also pieces from designers including Ralph Rucci, Todd Oldham, Tom Ford, and Gianni Versace.

“All reflect the magnificent inner mind and the opulent inner world of the exceptional man who rose from the Jim Crow south to the highest of heights in the fashion industry, and remained completely true to his inner core,” Cunningham added.

The auction proceeds will benefit the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York and Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham, NC.

Look out for the auction catalogue, which will be released on www.stairgalleries.com on August 31^st, 2023.