The upcoming exhibition André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever will bring together nearly seventy pieces from the legendary editor’s wardrobe, making it one of the most significant fashion exhibition projects of the year. Opening at the SCAD Museum of Art in Savannah on September 8th and later at the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film in Atlanta on October 15th, the show runs through early 2026 and honors a man whose vision transformed how the world understood style.
Talley’s archive—spanning prêt-à-porter, couture, and bespoke designs—reflects both his role as fashion’s kingmaker and his lifelong belief that style is a language of identity, history, and empowerment.
Met Gala looks and beyond
Among the highlights are garments that defined some of André Leon Talley’s most iconic Met Gala looks. Known for turning red carpets into stages of cultural storytelling, he often wore pieces that were as theatrical as they were historically informed. Visitors will see how Talley approached fashion as both spectacle and scholarship, seamlessly blending grandeur with intellect.
But the exhibition also turns inward, presenting garments worn during intimate gatherings and personal celebrations—offering a rare glimpse into his private world and the man behind the icon.
Honoring André Leon Talley’s style through design
Curated by Rafael Brauer Gomes, the creative director of SCAD FASH, the exhibition presents designs by Tom Ford, Ralph Rucci, Manolo Blahnik, and Dapper Dan. A striking example is a bespoke Ralph Rucci coat that demonstrates Talley’s affinity for sculptural silhouettes and craftsmanship. Equally memorable is a piece by Dapper Dan, merging luxury with streetwear codes, embodying Talley’s belief that high fashion must be both democratic and daring.
The project coincides with the 10th anniversary of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Talley’s long partnership with SCAD makes the exhibition particularly poignant: he not only curated past shows but also championed emerging designers and mentored students with generosity and candor.
An accompanying catalogue, featuring photography by SCAD alum Allen Cooley and archival images by Jonathan Becker and Robert Fairer, captures Talley’s four-decade career. Essays and personal recollections from colleagues and admirers further illuminate his role as editor, cultural icon, and advocate for beauty in all its forms.
André Leon Talley: Style Is Forever is more than a fashion exhibition—it is a statement that style itself can be a form of legacy.
Photography by ROXANNE LOWIT
Photography by MICHEL DUFOUR; courtesy of WIREIMAGE
