Antique Portuguese Majolica Plates, Owned by Fashion Legend André Leon Talley

Set of antique Portuguese Majolica leaf plates, owned by legendary fashion icon André Leon Talley! Stamped and numbered on reverse by an unknown source, is believed to be from the Portuguese ceramic region of Caldas da Rainha because of the thicker rimmed base. Most likely from a small factory since there is no distinct brand stamp, this was common for small factories that produced Majolica in that region during the late 1800's to early 1900's. Perfect for the "hostess with the mostest" who loves to entertain in high-style with fabulous stories to tell! 
 
André Leon Talley (1948-2022) was one of the fashion world's first African-American Tastemakers! A 6’-6” tall, elegant and flamboyant fashion celebrity with impeccable style, easily recognized by his signature capes and kaftans. For 60 years, he was an integral part of fashion history and culture as a journalist, author, stylist, creative director and editor-at-large.
 
His career began in 1974 when he interned at the MET's Costume Institute, apprenticing under legendary fashion magazine editor Diana Vreeland. They created magic on and off stage, sharing a life of fashion and friendship. After the MET, he took his first job out of college working at Andy Warhol’s Factory, through Vreeland’s introduction. He answered Warhol's phone, which opened the door to NYC's most glamorous socialites. Although private, during the 70's he was a regular participant of Studio 54’s disco scene boogie dancing with models, designers, artists, and celebs. After Warhol’s Factory, he went to Paris to run Women’s Wear Daily, then Vogue Magazine. He was Vogue's first African-American Creative Director, then Editor-at-Large. He broke boundaries in an industry dominated by white women. A prominent diversity advocate on and off the runway, supporting emerging designers and models.
 
He had swanky southern charm and style, spoke French eloquently and loved his church, a very soulful person with a big heart. Raised in the (then) segregated deep south by his strict loving grandmother who worked as a maid at Duke University. Church was the most important thing in their life. André’s childhood was wonderful and complex, despite impoverished beginnings he earned a bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Central University and a master’s from Brown (both) in French Literature. When he first arrived in NYC, he and Diane von Furstenberg became and remained close friends like family. When he nearly lost everything to pay off debts, including his colonial home on 75 Worthington Rd, White Plains, NY - Furstenberg lovingly took care of his financial situation. Almost immediately following that, he died in the hospital with COVID. Shortly after, the street on which he lived for 18 years was re-named to "André Leon Talley Way" in his honor. It is this estate that these plates were acquired from.
 
Please note, as found the large plate has a small chip on the glaze and on the leaf edge. The medium plate has a chip on one of the leaf edges.