"Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher."

Fashion legend Andre Leon Talley has died, aged 73. The former Vogue creative director passed away at White Plains Hospital in New York on Tuesday from an unknown illness, TMZ reports. Talley was instrumental to Vogue's vision and direction in the '80s and '90s. He was also well-known from starring alongside Tyra Banks on several seasons of America's Next Top Model. https://twitter.com/tomandlorenzo/status/1483648961877581825 During his lengthy five decade long career, Talley worked closely alongside Vogue editor Anna Wintour and made connections with massive names in the fashion world, such as Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. He also campaigned for diversity both on the catwalk and behind the scenes in the fashion world. Tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans have been pouring in on social media. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Tyra Banks said: "I adored Andre. Before meeting him, I had never experienced such a prolific person serving up a rare mix of fashion fabulousness and real down-home southern comfort love.

"Being in his presence was so magical. He made me smile, laugh and was a masterful teacher – a genius historian.

"Scholar, colleague, effervescent spirit, legend… you are resting now, dearest Andre. But your spirit, your je ne sais quoi, your iconic voice… I hear it now. And will forever. We all will."

British Vogue editor-in-chief Edward Enninful wrote in a heartfelt message: "R.I.P dearest Andre. Without you, there would be no me. Thank you for paving the way."

Oscar-nominated designer Arianne Phillips described Talley as a ‘trailblazer" and a"dapper gentleman".

https://www.instagram.com/p/CY5bdAmLAPj/ "His witty repartee, larger than life icon, always so kind and funny - his contribution to fashion and culture is one for the history books," she said. "Such sad news to hear of his passing. Rest In Power Andre." Talley joined the Vogue family in 1983 and worked his way up through the ranks to become creative director. After leaving Vogue in 1995 and moving to Paris, he later rejoined the publication full time as an editor-at-large.