This Week at Stair Galleries

On Thursday, September 21, at 10:00 a.m., an auction of the Collection of André Leon Talley will take place at Stair Galleries. The collection reflects all the facets of this life and is the legacy he leaves behind for all those who knew, admired, and championed him.

Photo: Seth Wenig | AP

"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."

With taste and grace, André Leon Talley rose from this childhood in the Jim Crow South to the pinnacle of the fashion world with his unerring sense of style, his intelligence, and his quick wit. As the first Black man to hold the title of Creative Director at American Vogue, Talley's rarified status in the fashion industry allowed him to pursue what was personally important to him, establishing decades-long relationships with icons in the industry and supporting young designers and their nascent talent.

Highlights in this single-owner sale include clothing, handbags, shoes from the 1980s until today, furniture, literature, and decorations from both the White Plains and Durham, North Carolina, homes, including a Victorian mahogany throne chair, numerous giltwood mirrors, a chintz upholstered corner sofa, a pair of large wicker armchairs, Christian Lacroix jewelry, two pieces of Bottega Veneta luggage, stemware, porcelain, mohair throws, numerous hats and books. His personal friendships with iconic fashion designers such as Manolo Blahnik, Karl Lagerfeld, Valentino, and Diane von Furstenberg are reflected in Talley's collection of haute couture as well as pieces from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermes, Ralph Rucci, Balenciaga, Todd Oldham, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, and Gianni Versace. Selection of artwork by Bruce Weber, Beatrice, Caracciolo, Arthur Elgort, and Sylvester Stallone are also included. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York and Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham.