The collection of André Leon Talley raises over $3.5 million

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 18, 2023

Christie's concluded the online sale of The Collection of André Leon Talley this week, raising more than $3.5 million. 

In particular, the online sale of the collection, which belonged to the late fashion journalist and icon, achieved $2,167,704 in sales, while the live auction fetched $1,387,827, for a total of $3,555,531. All auction proceeds will benefit the Abyssinian Baptist Church in the City of New York and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Durham.

The top selling item from the live auction was an Andy Warhol painting, which sold for $94,500. 
Other items in the auction included a set of three Personalized Brown “ALT” Monogram Lacquered Canvas Suitcases by Louis Vuitton which sold for $94,500; a Navy Wool Deconstructed Greatcoat by Christian Dior for $40,320; and a Brick Red ‘Sleeping Bag” Clutch Coat from Norma Kamali sold for $25,200. 

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Likewise, during the online sale, a Bradley Theodore Portrait of Diana Vreeland sold for $40,320 against its low estimate of $3,000. Additional highlights include a Black and Aubergine Silk Satin 'Climate Revolution' Cloak by Vivienne Westwood sold for $32,760, and an Antonio Lopez Sketch of Diana Vreeland, Paloma Picasso and André Leon Talley which sold for $25,200.

"We are all immensely proud to have overseen two sales this week that confirmed André Leon Talley's rarefied status within the fashion world and beyond,” said Elizabeth Seigel, Christie's head of private and Iconic Collections. 

“It was especially gratifying to see the interest that generated astonishingly high bids across the board. We have seen a tremendous number of new bidders and buyers in both sales as well as participation from Institutions. The Collection of André Leon Talley is a testament to his impeccable taste and Christie's is thrilled to have helped achieve such strong results.”

The longtime Vogue editor and fashion insider passed away last year, at the age of 73, from complications of a heart attack and Covid-19.

He began his career working for Diana Vreeland at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute, then worked for Interview Magazine, Women's Wear Daily, The New York Times, and Vogue. 

At Vogue, Talley served as fashion news director-turned-creative director and editor-at-large, working side-by-side with editor Anna Wintour for decades.