BUSY.HE.IS: André Leon Talley has lined up another gig following his departure from Zappos earlier this month.
The former Vogue editor will be the new fashion and style director for Will.i.am and his i.am.Puls fashion bracelet. The bracelet, which is similar to a smartwatch or a cuff with a screen, was unveiled last month to the press. It incorporates technologies that allow the user to make calls, send texts, post to social media, play music and track fitness.
The duo had recently been seen helping Vogue staffers move into their new offices at One World Trade Center earlier this month, but neither had spoken publicly about their partnership until now.
“He is one of the most positive, charismatic [people], and is a great visionary and philanthropist,” said Talley, of the producer and Black Eyed Peas front man. “We have been talking since September, and he invited me to San Francisco to speak at Dreamforce, when he presented the new product to a room of 5,000 people.”
Will.i.am has been developing Puls for the last two-and-a-half years through his own firm, i.am+, which employs about 50 people.
Talley, who is also in the middle of penning his second memoir, called “Enchanting Angels,” recently left his gig at Zappos Couture, where he served as artistic director for a year. Although that role has ended, Talley told WWD that his relationship with Zappos chief executive officer Tony Hsieh is on “solid ground,” and that he holds him high esteem.