André Leon Talley

André Leon Talley is a writer lauded and published across many genres, the curator of amazing fashion and celebrity events, a charming television and film personality, and an inspiration to all SCAD students, alumni, faculty and staff.

As contributing editor to Vogue, Talley regularly pens a witty, pithy column called "Life with André," and has often helmed special fashion and celebrity projects for the magazine, including "A Celebration of Oscar Fashion," a retrospective of famous Oscar gowns held during the 79th Academy Awards. Talley has been an integral part of the preeminent fashion magazine for more than 25 years, and prior to that was at Interview magazine during Andy Warhol's tenure.

Talley is the author of two books, "A.L.T.: A Memoir" and "A.L.T. 365+." The memoir pays homage to the two extraordinary women who shaped Talley's life — his grandmother Bennie Frances Davis who raised him, and Diana Vreeland, the legendary style authority who became his mentor. The monograph captures one entire year in Talley's celebrity-drenched life — complete with photos of Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, the front rows at major fashion shows and even Good Friday services at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, where Talley is a member and is deeply involved in the life of the church.

Recognized for his amazing eye and insightful and entertaining perspective, Talley regularly appears on television and in film. Among his multitude of media credits is HBO's "Sex and the City," and films "The September Issue," about the making of Vogue's fall fashion magazine, "Catwalk," celebrating the rise of the supermodel, and "Valentino: The Last Emperor," detailing the life of haute couture designer Valentino Garavani.

In 2003, Talley was honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Eugenia Sheppard Award for Excellence in Fashion Journalism, and in 2008, he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by SCAD in recognition of his contributions to the university. Today, in addition to his work at Vogue and his many award-winning style and fashion pursuits, Talley regularly mentors SCAD students and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees.