The Savannah College of Art and Design has opened André Leon Talley: Le Style est Éternel at SCAD FASH Lacoste in Lacoste, France, marking the first time Talley’s personal archive has been presented on French soil. The exhibition opened on April 1, 2026, and runs through October 31, 2026, forming the latest chapter in SCAD’s ongoing tribute to one of fashion’s most singular figures. It follows earlier presentations of the Style Is Forever exhibition across SCAD museums in Atlanta and Savannah, which featured nearly 70 looks from Talley’s personal collection.
What the Exhibition Features
Curated by Rafael Brauer Gomes, Creative Director of SCAD FASH museums, the Lacoste exhibition draws from Talley’s extraordinary bequest of garments, accessories, photographs, and personal materials now held within the SCAD Permanent Collection. The selection assembles couture, ready to wear, and bespoke pieces from Talley’s wardrobe, including works by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Nicolas Ghesquière for Balenciaga, John Galliano for Dior, Chado Ralph Rucci, Roger Vivier, Yves Saint Laurent, Charvet, and Hermès. The exhibition extends beyond garments to include artworks, photographs, letters, and books from Talley’s personal collection. Custom mannequins based on a sculpture by SCAD alum Stephen Hayes present the looks, adding a sculptural dimension to the installation. Gowns worn by figures within Talley’s circle, including Anna Wintour, Renée Zellweger, and Lauren Santo Domingo, also appear in the presentation.
A Legacy Rooted in SCAD
André Leon Talley had a deep and long standing relationship with SCAD throughout his life. He curated acclaimed exhibitions at the university, welcomed renowned designers to campus, and mentored generations of students, all while advancing cultural dialogue around fashion and identity. His decision to bequeath his personal archive of garments, accessories, and ephemera to the SCAD Permanent Collection was a profound act of generosity toward the institution and the students who will engage with his legacy for generations to come. The Lacoste presentation, which marks the 10th anniversary of the SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film, brings his archive full circle to France, the country whose culture shaped so much of Talley’s aesthetic sensibility and career.
Why This Exhibition Matters for Fashion
Talley’s career spanned more than four decades, beginning with Diana Vreeland at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, continuing through his years with Andy Warhol at The Factory, and reaching its highest profile during his long tenure at Vogue alongside Anna Wintour. He was one of the few figures who moved seamlessly across the worlds of couture, culture, journalism, and education while always remaining unmistakably himself. An exhibition drawn from his personal wardrobe is not simply a fashion show. It is a primary source document of one of the most consequential careers in the history of the industry, and SCAD’s stewardship of that archive ensures it remains accessible to students, scholars, and fashion lovers worldwide.
