Farewell to André Leon Talley The iconic journalist, former creative director and editor at large of Vogue US, died Tuesday

The news came with a post on his Instagram profile: André Leon Talley died last Tuesday in a New York hospital, from an unknown illness. Even for those who are not fashion addicts, it is almost impossible not to have noticed him in the front row of fashion shows, often sitting next to the feared Anna Wintour who, with his imposing build, his squeaky voice, sunglasses to shield his gaze, hats and voluminous and eccentric caftans and capes, almost seemed to overshadow her. A former creative director and editor at large of Vogue US, he dedicated over 30 years to the magazine, fighting personally to promote the work of black models and creatives and, in general, inclusivity in the fashion industry. His mantra, reported in his autobiography was: "Style transcends race, class and time."