A glamorous crowd flocked to Christie’s in NYC on Thursday during Fashion Week for a reception celebrating the collection of late Vogue editor, Andre Leon Talley.
Editor-in-Chief of The Cut, Lindsay Peoples, made the opening remarks and Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church choir sang before guests — including designer Vera Wang, Zac Posen, Nicky Hilton and Derek Blasberg — viewed items including Talley’s trademark caftans, Louis Vuitton luggage and artwork.
Fashion expert and TV personality Bevy Smith told us, “Andre Leon Talley was one of one. If you are a black person in fashion, even if you didn’t know him, he was a beacon. He was someone you could look at, look toward, and be inspired by.”
Smith was friends with Talley, who passed away last year, telling us he was always supportive since she met him “when I was a 26-year-old girl in Paris at my first fashion week.”
“He gave me a second row seat at a Vivienne Westwood show because I was seated all the way in the back,” Smith tells us. “He was such a nurturing kind spirit to me. I love him and miss him desperately, but I am so happy to see his legacy live on with this amazing auction.”
Former Vogue editor Edward Barsamian told us, “Without Andre there would be a dearth of glamour. Andre, in every single editorial, in all aspects of his life just in general, sought to highlight the fun, the beautiful, the unique. I feel like without him, fashion would not be where it is — as inclusive, as open, as fabulous.”
Al Roker, who was hospitalized in November for blood clots, looked in good spirits while viewing the lots with his wife, Deborah Roberts. “I’m good!” he told a guest who asked how he was feeling.
Also spotted were former Teen Vogue editor Elaine Welteroth, artist Mickalene Thomas, designer Ronny Kobo, Victor Glemaud, Pamela Love and Hannah Bronfman.
Talley’s estate is being auctioned on Feb. 15. Proceeds will go to the Abyssinian Baptist Church and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham.
Page Six exclusively revealed that designer Diane Von Furstenberg helped pay off the late journalist’s debts.