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André Leon Talley's fashion collection raises almost $1.4m at live auction

Lauretta Roberts
16 February 2023

The fashion collection of the late legendary fashion editor André Leon Talley raised almost $1.4 million (£1.16m) at a live auction yesterday with the lots realising 343% above the estimated price.

Among the most valuable items in the former Vogue US editor at large's collection were a navy wool deconstructed greatcoat by Christian Dior which achieved $40,320 against its low estimate of $1,000 and a brick red ‘Sleeping Bag” clutch coat from Norma Kamali, which sold for $25,200, 50 times its low estimate of $500.

André Leon Talley

A navy wool deconstructed great coat by Dior sold for $40,320

Luggage also performed exceptionally well, notably a set of three personalized brown “ALT” monogram lacquered canvas suitcases by Louis Vuitton, which sold for more than 31 times their low estimate of $3,000. In addition, a pair of limited-edition graffiti monogram canvas hardsided briefcases by Stephen Sprouse for Louis Vuitton sold for $69,300, 17 times over their low estimate. One trunk, personalized with “André Leon Talley” painted in yellow that appeared with Talley in his 2008 Sex and the City movie cameo, sold for $44,100, 22 times over its low estimate.

A set of three personalised suitcases from Louis Vuitton sold for 31 times their estimate

Artworks and photographs also formed part of the sale, which was 100% sold. Auctioneers Christie's noted that the unique collection drew in a number of new customers to the auction, as well as many Millennial bidders. Proceeds of the sale will go toward the Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham.

Elizabeth Seigel, Christie's Head of Private and Iconic Collections, said: “Christie's is honored that we have been entrusted with 'The Collection of Andre Leon Talley'- a trailblazer and such an iconic figure. In today's sale prices soared due to the impeccable provenance of the lots, as people competed to buy André Leon Talley’s signature looks, monogrammed bags and luggage and prized possessions, eager for the opportunity to own such personal and iconic pieces from his collection. These lots are part of fashion history, and all proceeds go to benefit the churches close to his heart.”

Talley passed away at the age of 73 in January 2022. He was one of the most recognised and beloved fashion editors on the international scene. His began his career working for Diana Vreeland at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and went on to work for Interview Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, The New York Times, and, finally, Vogue. There, he served as fashion news director turned creative director and ultimately editor-at-large, working side-by-side with legendary editor Dame Anna Wintour for decades.

He was known for his large-than-life persona and flamboyant wardrobe and was often seen in full length robes paired with UGG boots.

An online auction of further items was due to close on 16 February.

Images: Courtesy of Christie's New York

Main image: Auctioneer Tash Perrin sells Colin Douglas Gray’s portrait of André Leon Talley which realized $6,615

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