Quotes from Andre Leon Talley

Luxury is...to be able to take control of one's life, health, and the pursuit of happiness in a way that is joyful.

People need to be edited; life needs to be edited. I need to be edited.

The late Estee Lauder says you can never wear white shoes after Labor Day. But of course, in today's world, that does not exist.

It's incorrect to assume you can be a fashion editor because you blog, if you don't have experience to look at fashion in a professional way.

I don't tear down. I prefer to build up.

When my best friends doubt their little black dresses, they call me on the telephone seeking reassurance.

I went to Brown to be a French professor, and I didn't know what I was doing except that I loved French. When I got to Paris and I could speak French, I know how much it helped me to establish relationships with Karl Lagerfeld, with the late Yves St. Laurent. French, it just helps you if you're in fashion. The French people started style.

I love people - it is not the fashion, it is the people in fashion I love.

Reality TV, although I'm a part of it, I think reality TV is a terrible thing.

Money isn't everything, but it is when you start thinking about putting money away for your retirement days.

Look at 'American Idol,' which I don't look at. Those winners haven't become household names except for Jennifer Hudson, and she was a reject. You can't aim to be a household name. You just have to be successful.

You cannot live your life in the elitist world of fashion and not step out or you're disconnected. You have to realize that fashion is not the endgame.

Why spend money on movies when you can spend it on gas? Or dry cleaning? Or groceries?

I love sitting through long things. I mean, 'Gone With the Wind' I will sit through; I love sitting somewhere for four hours, for anything. I love being on a train. I love sitting down for four hours. I think it's the most wonderful thing to be able to sit somewhere and concentrate on something for more than two hours.

One my favorite things is to go to the provinces of Russia and see the 18th century wood churches with the onion dome architecture. These humble wonders of incredible imagination of architects that were obviously not living in places like Paris or London, but they've created these amazing churches.

Uggs can be as chic as heels for women.

'Drekitude' is the lowest point in the lowest ebb. It could be your look. It could be your shoes. It could be that you're standing wrong. 'Drek' is a total, total, total hot mess.

The little black dress expresses a moment of freedom and individuality every time.

People love fashion exhibits because they can fantasize. They can respond to a dress even if they can never wear a dress like that.

I love Russian culture. I don't know the young Russia, I'm not at all familiar with young Russia, but the old school Russia is good enough for me for the moment.

The most luxurious item is a beautiful bed and beautiful, simple sheets.

At an early age I discovered the beauty in pictures in 'Vogue' magazine and Ebony magazine, and I would read 'The New York Times.' I had to make my own world within my world because I was an only child.

I just need green. I need to wake up and see grass and squirrels. I don't want to see skyscrapers.

Uggs are comfort shoes, and it's important to have a shoe that gives you a sense of comfort. I have about 15 pair of Uggs - the same shoe, the same color. And I also have the bedroom slippers.