June 28th, 2016 by Jennifer Beile An Ode to Bill Cunningham
The fashion industry lost a true icon this weekend: Bill Cunningham passed away at the age of 87.
Armed with his 35mm camera, his blue coat, and his bike, Bill was the original street style photographer. He realized that seeing how people interpreted what designers create was the missing piece to the fashion world. Taking photos as merely an observer, with no prejudice towards his subjects, Bill was able to capture the beauty and creativity of fashion through tourists, locals, and celebrities out and about. Through his weekly New York Times series On The Street, Bill published New York street style photographs for nearly 40 years, capturing the evolution of fashion through decades. Bill became somewhat of a celebrity himself—no matter how hard he tried to stay humble and private—because of his charming nature and respectful attitude towards everyone.
“The wider world perceives fashion as frivolity that should be done away with. The point is that fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you can do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.”
– Bill Cunningham
In loving memory of Bill, please enjoy this essay Bill wrote for the New York Times about his life.
