The Chiffon Trenches

Praise

“The joy of reading about André Leon Talley’s journey in The Chiffon Trenches is coupled with knowing that he survived and thrived by being revered and respected by those at every level of fashion. That never goes out of style.”—Tamron Hall, award-winning journalist and host of Tamron Hall
 
“André Leon Talley’s fantastic memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, is a riveting, enthralling, and heartbreaking read, tracing the incredible arc of his life from growing up in the Jim Crow South to what it took for him to come to New York and, thanks to his vast talent and work ethic, gain the respect and recognition of the legends of his day, including Diana Vreeland, Andy Warhol, Karl Lagerfeld, and Anna Wintour. André has lived life at the epicenter of the most glamourous worlds of fashion in both Paris and New York; and now this book is one more chapter in his amazing legacy.”—Wendy Goodman, design editor of New York

“André Leon Talley is the preeminent fashion historian of his generation. His rare quality of mind and the depth of his knowledge infuse The Chiffon Trenches with a spirited voice, keen sensibility, and cultural intellect. The poly-sonic narrative incorporates histories of styles and collections; reveals fashion politics imbued with racism, power plays, fears, and ignorance; and describes with compelling honesty the impact of these forces on his black body.”—Dr. Janis A. Mayes, African/Diasporan Francophone Studies, Syracuse University
 
“The Chiffon Trenches chronicles the remarkable life of trailblazing fashion icon André Leon Talley as he breaks new ground in an industry rife with racism, prejudice, and bias. An honest, candid memoir full of vulnerable and authentic reflections on some of the most historic fashion moments of the twentieth century. A diorama of fashion royalty populates this intelligent memoir by an inimitable legend.”—Darren Walker, president of the Ford Foundation
 
“I literally could not stop reading The Chiffon Trenches—I started reading in the afternoon and finished the same evening. Everyone in the fashion world will be reading this book—whether they admit it or not.”—Dr. Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology
 
“André Leon Talley has transcended the fashion industry by showing each of us how he has tamed his own genius to become a one-of-a-kind unique leader. Read this book if you want to be entertained, educated, enlightened, and most of all taught how to step out of the crowd to become your own true and authentic self.”—Marc Benioff, chairman and owner of Time

“Talley’s unrivaled knowledge, extraordinary eye for spotting raw talent, and ‘ahead of the curve’ ability to clearly define what makes a good dress draws you in from page one. An insightful and intelligent read, conveyed in a way only he could.”—Manolo Blahnik