I don't rate memoirs but this was well-written and eye opening. I'm a casual fan and spectator of fashion - though I'm too broke to indulge in actually purchasing and wearing designer, I am aware of the styles and artists and major fashion houses. I also love(d) print media and journalism, so ALT's memoir was so right for me. He brought humanity and humility to these high rolling stylists, people with reputations so large and foreign we forget they're people too. And there are so many wonderful people in this book to research. My biggest issue is, like in Capote's Women, everyone seems to run the same: they're all fabulously wealthy and fabulously well-dressed. If everyone is rich and stylish, it kind of takes the special sparkle away from them as individuals.

I wish I had known more about this man before he passed! I am looking forward to listening to his Vogue podcast and some Met Gala interviews.

I would say that this book is less about fashion and more about navigating relationships in a volatile industry. Who are your friends? Are your relationships transactional, professional, deeply personal, a little of all the above? How do you deal with racial discrimination, aging, body image in a job where image and status are everything and stepping “out of line” can ruin your career? Andre doesn’t have the answers, but takes us along as he explores his life in fashion, reflects on what it means to feel deeply connected to people who may not feel that same about you, and builds his own legacy.

SO, I have always loved André's sartorial choices and I've really loved his fashion commentary throughout the years. This memoir, which I was listening to while reading a book about the surrealist movement, was a great description of another group of friends and artists that left an indelible impact on the world.
This memoir also made me sad. André had so much love to give to others and was in search of love all his life. He seems to have found it in his friendships, yet some of his longest lasting ones ended without the closure he seemed to yearn for.
The detail provided in this memoir is stunning, the sumptuous clothing and decorating descriptions are unparalleled and create an atmosphere that you can really feel all encompassed by as a reader.
I'm very happy to have listened to this book as André's voice and intonation were an ESSENTIAL part of the storytelling for me.
Memoir is subjective, as is history, and I found André's fascinating.

I would recommend this for fashion devotees, those interested in 20th century & Black history, and those that enjoy listening to GOSSIP.

This would be a good read for those of you who want a behind the scenes look at the fashion. Andre clues us in on all the little cliques, petty fights/feuds that surrounded the fashion culture, among other things.

I loved this book. I enjoyed the tales of fashion in the 70s and 80s. I celebrate the catharsis A.L.T. had to have felt after finally writing about his abuse. I enjoyed the photos throughout the book. It was dishy, but not too gossipy. It was a snapshot into his life through the years.

The book is superficial and wonderfully pretentious. The description of the events back in the heyday of fashion were wonderful. I enjoyed it all. You have to temper your expectations concerning Leon Tally; once you do, you will enjoy his account of his life.