Andre Leon Talley is one busy guy and shows no signs of slowing down.
At the ripe age of 63, the Vogue contributing editor and former "America's Next Top Model" judge is a go-to guest correspondent for "Entertainment Tonight," recently signed a late-night talk show deal and is also adding editor-at-large of "Numéro" magazine to his never-ending resume.
Yes, that's the same "Numéro" magazine that's currently in the middle of a blackface debacle--although Talley will be joining the glossy's Russian edition. Perhaps he'll bring a much-needed diverse perspective to the publication. Fingers crossed.
And lest you believe that all these gigs and a closet full of tent-sized Chado Ralph Rucci capes and custom Manolo Blahnik shoes signal a fat bank account, think again. Talley tells Women's Wear Daily (WWD) that "financial security" played a big part in his decision to ink the "Numéro" Russia deal.
"I took the job because I love Russia and the salary was something fabulous," Talley told WWD. "Money isn’t everything, but it is when you start thinking about putting money away for your retirement days…Anna was very sympathetic and understood and she decided we remain on good terms and that I do the digital and the online. And I’m very happy to do it."
We're happy Talley's 30-year stint at Vogue isn't coming to an end and that we can still look forward to his entertaining "Mondays With André" videos series (Did you see the one with Quvenzhané Wallis? 100% amazing.)
And Talley isn't known to bite his tongue, a quality that has made him one of the most interesting figures in fashion. With that said, WWD made sure to ask about his thoughts on last week's Academy Awards red carpet. And in classic ATL style, this is what Talley had to say:
“Last night was one of the dullest, saddest moments of the history of the Oscars and the red carpet was the dullest, saddest moment for many reasons."
Ouch. Talley believes that stars need to break away from their controlling stylists and take some fashion risks. How risky? The fashion expert points to Cher's crazy getups and Bijork's infamous swan dress as examples of sensational looks. "Then we thought it was bad taste, now I think it should have been the best dress because she stood out. Strapless dresses make you want to turn the page,” Talley said.
We'll beg to differ. But this explains that questionable, at best, outfit he put Jennifer Hudson in at the 2007 Oscars. Mystery solved.
Head over to WWD to check out more of their interview with ALT.
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