This book was everything I wanted it to be. For the young fashion lover enamored of a dying magazine industry as much as it is for fans who used to read Talley's column in Vogue, this is a fascinating story of power, creativity, Paris, New York, and finding identity. There's also a lot of gossip!

What a moving, interesting memoir. Andre Leon Talley is so eloquent and intelligent. Highly recommended.

If you're a fashion lover, a fan of memoirs and tell-all books PLUS enjoy a small dose of gossip of the rich and famous once in a while, pick this one up now!

I was very excited to read Talley's memoir because I've always found him to be an interesting person and he's had such a strong presence in the fashion world for so long. However, the book did not live up to my high expectations. While it was fascinating to learn how he came to be, as well as the ins and outs of the fashion world, the book was quite shallow. Perhaps it is the industry as a whole, but many of the relationships he built were done so on quid pro quo and a lot of people featured in the memoir were catty if you weren't scratching their back. This aspect further spoiled my already low perceptions of this industry, but I was hoping Talley would have some fantastic stories that would prove them wrong. What I did enjoy was the inspiration I found in reading what he had to overcome in order to take his place as the most influential man in fashion. *Advance copy provided by the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Mr. Andre Talley has a couple of strikes against him.  He's a black Male and Gay.  In spite of that Mr. Talley, born and raised in North Carolina,  has risen up the ranks to be one of the most sought after voices in High Fashion.  Truthfully, my fashion knowledge is limited, since when I was coming up, the biggest name we knew of was the Jacqueline Smith Collection that was at Kmart.  Although the author talks about Anna Wintour a lot,  The book was interesting.

I loved this book from start to finish! I'm not even into fashion but wanted to read Andre's story because he's such a pioneer in the fashion journalism industry. To read of his experiences with the world's fashion titans was amazing. Wow. So much that I learned about the industry and about him in this book.

I have always been fascinated by Andre Leon Talley and greatly enjoyed learning more about him. He has been a trailblazer in his field.

Even those that do not follow fashion know who Andre Leon Talley is, as he is such a part of mainstream culture.  This book is an intimate look at how he got to be one of the biggest names in the fashion industry, his years writing for Vogue and his friendship with Anna Wintour, along with the rumors and enemies that he made along the way.  This book is a delicious read, as it satisfies some of the mystery surrounding the fashion industry.

The Chiffon Trenches is a fun, gossipy read about the last half century of fashion. That said, it's also quite self-indulgent, which of course Mr. Talley has a right to do since it is his story he is writing.

In the end, it is a sad read, because while you get plenty of anecdotes of famous designers, you realize the narrator doesn't have true friendships with them and it ends with such loneliness.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC for an honest review.

During his five decades in fashion, editor and writer André Leon Talley has had a front row seat to the industry’s most important moments — and an invitation to rub elbows with its icons.

I've always been aware of André Leon Talley because he has a presence, honey! I honestly knew him more from his days at Vanity Fair than Vogue and of course his screen time in various fashion documentaries but what a treat it has been to get the inside dish on his fascinating life. This memoir does not disappoint so pour yourself a cocktail because he spills the tea! 

What a life this man has led! From dancing at Studio 54 to the runways of Paris, we get a front row seat to some of fashion's most iconic moments and players. This book took me ages to read, simply because there were so many things for me to research as I read. Naomi Campbell's infamous runway fall (in rubber Vivienne Westwood tights!), John Galliano's early 90s runway shows, Mr. Talley's Met red carpet interviews...I had to YouTube it all. It was such a treat to learn about all of fashion's moments Mr. Talley has lived through. 

More than just fashion, this book is about religion, grief, race and resilience. This is a story for anyone, anywhere, who has ever dreamed of leaving home to follow a dream. Mr Talley's passion and hard work are apparent in every page. 

The only issue I had with the book was that the timeline got murky for someone who isn't extremely knowledgeable about Mr. Talley's career and the history of Vogue. Perhaps someone with more of a foundation would be able to track things better.

A must read for every fan of fashion, reader of Vogue, or anyone looking for a fascinating biography.  Talley has always seemed larger than life- he's such a huge figure in the fashion business, full of drama and style. What I never knew was his back story (for want of a better description).  This made me appreciate him even more.  It's often hard to review memoirs because it feels as though you're casting judgment on an individual's life and choices.  That's not the case here.  Talley has carefully woven his own story and illuminated the dark corners of the fashion world.  You know he's only touched the surface of what he knows and that's ok.  He's exposed things but it's important to note that he isn't bitter only honest,  You won't read Vogue or look at high fashion the same way.  Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.  Amazing.

Everyone knows this man's name but you don't know his story...so here it is...in his own words.  I devoured this book.  He is an absolute fashion icon and this is a look behind the curtain.  I loved it!!!

What an interesting read of an interesting man. Well written and a pleasure to read. Very lovely pictures also. If you like to read about designers, various fashion publications and how they all shaped Mr. Talley, this is the book for you. Will not disappoint. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

Dishy, frank, moving and acidic in places: this is a a revealing and page-turning memoir from a man who rose from a humble background in North Carolina to the highest echelons of fashion.

Wow! What a fascinating read! I’ve always loved Andre’s interviews and fashion pieces be it on tv, in magazines. He’s always real, honest and doesn’t hold back and punches. 
I love that I now know where he cane from and who helped shape him into the man he is today. 
I love hearing about his friends and connections in the industry and who wouldn’t love to be friends with Ms. Wintour?!? She’s an icon in her own right. 
This book did Andre justice but to be honest he’s always been a star and this book just helped him shine a little brighter!

I'm always a sucker for the underdog that made good story, and this is one of the better ones. A young black kid from the dirty south, I identified with this young boy striving for a place where he wouldn't normally have been accepted, not only finding a place but defining an iconic one.

I received a copy of The Chiffon Trenches by Andre' Leon Talley from the author/publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I am not required to write a positive review. 

This is Andre's story of his time as a fashion trailblazer. He gives meticulous details of his time with both designers and models who set the tone for today's fashion iconic brands. He is transparent and emotional in the telling of how a kid from the south transcended race and class to hobnob with the upper echelon of high fashion. From Yves Saint Laurent to Tom Ford he gives insight into the different demons that these artistic talents ran from. 

Andre is a sensitive soul who wanted to create a world that he would feel safe in. Fashion gave him that. Rubbing shoulders with others who accepted him as he was bolstered his confidence allowing him to reach the highest rank possible in that world. 

My favorite part of the book was the love he had for the women who took the time to instill in him self worth and self assurance. Not allowing his childhood trauma to hinder him or reject loving relationships is exemplary and admirable. 

I am glad I read this book. I learned about an African American man who is still influential socially and fashionably. I am more aware of the people behind the brands and have more respect for what they had to go through to get to where they are.