A Letter to Andre Leon Talley
The Chiffon Trenches, the latest memoir from Andre Leon Talley, is a must read for anyone who loves fashion editorial. Mr. Talley dishes on his close relationships with industry giants like the late Karl Lagerfeld, Yves Saint Laurent, Andy Warhol and Anna Wintour. There is no doubt that the Ivy-league educated Mr. Talley made significant contributions to the fashion industry. But even after the front-row seats at runway shows, access to fashion houses and designers, world travel and a closet of luxury frocks, he ends his book on a sad note. He wrote, “I always wanted love.” Those words were hard to read from a man who has always been pictured around crowds of people. I wrote the following letter to him. Whether he gets it, reads it, responds or not, the intent was always to show my personal appreciation and love for one of the most influential Black editors in fashion journalism.
Dear Andre Leon Talley -
First, let me start by thanking you for dreaming big. As a young Black girl in Alabama, I had big dreams of working in TV and entertainment. I was and still am relentless in the pursuit of my dreams. Like you, despite the subtle naysaying from small thinkers, I worked to develop the talent that has provided great opportunity. Like you, I am incredibly grateful. Thank you for staying true to your Southern roots. Thank you for the reminder that saying “please” and “thank you,” having a good heart and a fine set of manners will carry a person far. Those things light up a path often forfeited for the crabs in the bucket mentality. Like you, I grew up in church with a grandmother who cared deeply for and raised me. I identified with your stories about the home-cooked meals and the love you received from your grandmother. Church attire or “Sunday’s Best” and the annual Ebony Fashion Fair introduced me to fashion and decorum. I took summer trips to New York City growing up and there, I was able to connect with culture and fashion in a completely different way. Like you said, New York City is magical.
When it came to the Who’s Who in fashion, you’ve always been at the tippy top. Your stories inspire me to keep writing. Thank you for being the tall, well-dressed, well-spoken Black man in the room. Thank you for enduring the corporate and fashion industry politics. Thank you for sharing game on how to finesse or like Jay Z said, “show ‘em how to move in a room full of vultures.” You continue to inspire me to participate. I’m inspired by the way you manage relationships. I wish the energy that you put into those relationships was reciprocated. The good news is, there’s still time. Don’t lose hope for it. In the meantime, rest easy in your contributions and your ability to rise above. As the illustrious former First Lady Michelle Obama said, “When they go low, we go high.” You are high on the list of those to love. And if no one ever says it, I will...Mr. Talley, you are loved by many.
Sincerely,
Jazmine Motley-Maddox
