Naomi Campbell Says André Leon Talley Was 'A Ray Of Light' In Tribute
By Alisan Duran on January 21, 2022 at 9:00 AM EST
Naomi Campbell is in mourning.
The supermodel, 51, had her 12 million Instagram followers reaching for their tissues after posting an emotional tribute to André Leon Talley.
The former creative director and editor-at-large of Vogue magazine passed away on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. Talley died at a hospital in White Plains, New York at age 73.
Remembering The Memories
In remembering him, the "Empire" star shared several photos of the duo taken throughout the years.
"Dear Andre , Words cannot describe what it feels like knowing you are no longer with us in the physical form, like everyone who loves you my heart skipped a beat," Campbell wrote in the caption.
She continued by sharing some of the highlights of their friendship, "When I heard I reached out to @dvf who let me know you went peacefully without pain .. So much to say but can’t say all , from flying in helicopters in Brazil and landing in a football field in a storm, to running around Moscow buying Russian dolls and typical Russian hats , to dancing around in my hotel room in Paris and showing you different walks, to hosting my 40th birthday party in Antibes, to our last trip in 2019 to Nigeria."
True Friendship
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Campbell also mentioned a special memory from her last trip with Talley in 2019, when they traveled to Nigeria.
"Everyone said you would cancel on me last minute and I refused to believe .. and there you came to Lagos with a wheelchair and all, and you embraced everyone and everyone embraced you," she shared, adding, "you were animated, fun and seeing all the young Nigerian creatives sitting at your feet taking notes with admiration, to going to church on Easter Sunday in Lagos of which you said coming to Africa was like an epiphany for you .. Seeing you so happy and in your zone is how I choose to remember you."
Campbell also recalled Talley's "unconditional love and support" that has "never wavered, from encouraging me to pick up the phone and calling Anna Wintour and asking for my first American vogue cover September issue to giving me the the confidence to learn the Michael Jackson dance for our super bowl sobe commercial .. to just sitting in bed ordering room service watching tv, you were Andre a ray of light filled with laughter and positivity that played a huge impact of our ever lasting family ship."
Bittersweet Goodbye
She added, "Andre is on his way to the otherside and will drape you all in divine larger than life luxury," and ended her message with, "I love you always Naomi. REST EASY KING 🕊🕊❤️🤍❤️🕊🕊"
Following the news of Talley's passing, friends, colleagues, and fans paid tribute to the late fashion genius.
More Tributes
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Renowned fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg, 75, also penned a heartfelt post on Instagram:
"Good bye darling André ❤️🙏… no one saw the world in a more elegant and glamorous way than you did ❤️🙏… no one was more soulful and grander than you were ❤️🙏…the world will be less joyful now ❤️🙏 I have loved you and laughed with you for 45 years…. I will miss your loud screams and your loyal friendship…I love you soooo much ❤️🙏"
Marc Jacobs, 58, also honored Talley's memory by writing:
"I am in shock. You championed me and you have been my friend since my beginning. Our chats, the moments we shared….oh my friend. You and your passions were larger than life. I love you and I will miss you dear Andre. Rest In Peace."I am in shock," he wrote alongside a vintage photo of the pair."
Losing A Fashion Legend
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"I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion ‘fabulousness’ and real down-home southern comfort love until I met @andreltalle," she wrote.
"Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher - a generous, genius historian. Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend…you are resting now, Dearest André. But your spirit, your ‘je ne sais quoi’, your VOICE - your laugh, your screams of effervescent, delightful joy…I hear it now. And will forever. We all will," she continued.