 In 2008, Talley advised the future First Family on fashion, and introduced Michelle Obama to the Taiwanese Canadian designer Jason Wu, from whom she bought several dresses, including her inaugural gown.Talley's most famous pairings of late have been with designers Tracy Reese, Rachel Roy, and singer/actress Jennifer Hudson.He is known as a very close friend of pop diva Mariah Carey, fashion designer Kimora Lee Simmons, and tennis star Venus Williams.