Former Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley on racism in fashion

Andre Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large of American Vogue, has spoken candidly about diversity in the fashion industry.

In a new interview with HuffPost the 65-years-old fashion editor reflects on his career, his relationship with legendary editor Anna Wintour and what he wishes he'd done differently.

His most revealing remarks come on the subject of the lack of diversity in the fashion industry:

"How many African-American or any diverse ethnic individuals do you have at the heads of any of the high niche magazines or high niche design brands? You can count them on one finger."

"Can you name a black designer that you know who has a huge brand? No. There is not one."

On his own struggles in the industry he says:

"One of the reasons that I think the world has not changed, being a black man, is that people try to look at me without color, but color is always there."

"Do you know how hard it is for me to come out wearing this? What some people consider a dress? What I'm wearing is what men in North Africa wear everyday. It takes a lot of courage to get up and to be me."

Talley began his career working for Andy Warhol at Interview magazine, he went on to work with Diana Vreeland and had a long stint working alongside Anna Wintour at Vogue.

His most recent role sees him take on a more commercial position as the artistic director of shopping site Zappos couture.