Diane von Furstenberg is reflecting on her relationship with her close friend of nearly 50 years, André Leon Talley, who died on Tuesday. He was 73.
Speaking exclusively with PEOPLE, von Furstenberg, 75, opens up about one of the most “magical” moments she and the late fashion editor shared together: attending the history-making Inauguration of President Barack Obama in 2009.
“When Obama got elected I invited André to come with me to the Inauguration, that was one of our best souvenirs. That was a very special moment for everyone, especially for him. It was a magical, magical moment,” she says, adding that she “never realized how famous” Talley was until the pair walked the streets of Washington D.C. together.
“People LOVE him. He was a big, big star,” she continues, adding that Talley was “always on the pulse of the moment” working with legendary artists, like Andy Warhol, as well as some of the most well-known names in fashion journalism, including famed editors Anna Wintour and Diana Vreeland – who von Furstenberg says was one of the most important women in his life aside from his grandmother.
“André was a big deal,” von Furstenberg explains. “He had many friends in many different worlds. He was bigger than life, and I expect him to get bigger. I think he’s going to become a bigger star —bigger than ever. He deserves to be.”
Not only did von Furstenberg reflect on her favorite “souvenir” moment with Talley and his impressive career, the iconic designer also reflected on the boundary breaking impact The Chiffon Trenches author had as a Black man in the fashion industry.
Diane von Furstenberg, original name Diane Simone Michelle Halfin was born on December 31, 1946 in Brussels, Belgium to Jewish parents.
Her father, Bessarabian-born Leon (Lipa) Halfin, migrated to Belgium in 1929 from Chişinău, and later sought refuge from the Nazis in Switzerland.
She is a Belgian-born designer and businesswoman whose lasting contribution to fashion design was the wrap dress.
Diane von Furstenberg started her career on the fashion scene as a model.Von Furstenberg’s net worth was $300 million in 2017, according to Forbes.
Diane von Furstenberg founded the Diane von Furstenburg brand in 1972 in New York. The DvF label offers a full collection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories—including shoes, handbags, and jewelry.
The wrap dress created by Diane von Furstenberg is arguably the most important women’s clothing item of the ’70s and it remains fashionable today.
Although she says she is happily married, Ms von Furstenberg said she recently met a 90-year-old woman who made her realize that she still has ‘time ahead’ to reconnect with her inner seductress.