FRENCH ACCENT: SCAD Lacoste, the Provence, France-based arm of the Savannah College of Art and Design, is bringing the “André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever” exhibition to its museum space.
Like the first two chapters in Atlanta and Savannah, Ga., it draws on the bequest of personal garments, accessories, photographs and other documents made by the late fashion journalist, New York Times bestselling author and former Vogue creative director to the college’s permanent collections.
Curated by Rafael Brauer Gomes, creative director of SCAD Fash museums, the exhibition opens on April 1 and runs through Oct. 31 at the SCAD Fash Lacoste museum space in Provence.
“For this French chapter, we continue the celebration of his history and heritage but with a sharper focus on his deep link with France and French haute couture,” said Ariel Stark, SCAD Fashion Lacoste manager.
Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld taupe silk faille coat.
Courtesy of SCAD
The fashion journalist and author maintained a deep connection with France, which “always held a special place in his heart,” and with French culture throughout his life, Stark continued. “His academic training in French literature laid the foundation for his future success in fashion journalism and allowed him to cultivate an encyclopedic knowledge of French culture and history.”
Talley, who died in 2022 at the age of 73, earned an undergraduate degree in French literature at Carolina Central University and later, a master of arts degree in French literature at Brown University.
He first visited France as a student in 1971, and lived in Paris from 1978 to 1980 while working for Women’s Wear Daily, then again between 1989 and 1995. In 2021, he was named a Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, France’s highest cultural distinction.
In Lacoste, a new edit of 23 looks will lean into French houses and designers. The silhouettes, presented custom mannequins cast from a sculpture of Talley by SCAD alum Stephen Hayes, will include pieces from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, John Galliano-era Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès and Roger Vivier.
Alongside Talley’s looks, the exhibition will include a showcase of eight evening gowns worn by famous friends, among them Renee Zellweger, Anne Hathaway, Anna Wintour and Lauren Santo Domingo.
“This selection highlights the global influence of André on the fashion industry as well as his cultivated passion for French culture,” Stark said.
There will also be some 60 accessories and personal ephemera from the late industry fixture’s archives spanning artwork, letters and books. A selection of 50 photographs will round out the displays.
