5 things you need to know about Bill Cunningham
- Born in Boston, Bill Cunningham got his first fashion exposure in a local Boston store. He dropped out of Harvard University and moved to New York in 1948. Before becoming a photographer he was a milliner. In 2012, All his hats were bought by the same person in an auction for $20,000.
“Money’s the cheapest thing. Liberty and freedom is the most expensive.” — Bill Cunningham.
2. This probably was his life motto that he lived by. He kept his creative integrity intact by following his life passion and not selling out to news media and publications. With the ever evolving fashion landscape, he managed to stay consistent in his efforts to just go after his passion and covering fashion in a way that inspired him as a photographer.
“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been and always will be.” — Bill Cunningham
3. He is know by everyone as an honest photographer. What made him unique was his ability to spot beauty and inspiration wherever he went. He is one of the rare fashion photographers who did not flock to celebrities and click “paparazzi pictures”. His way of capturing photos was more organic and candid. He was an originator of street style photography. He has been an inspiration to several photographers who want to follow his suit.
4. He was awarded with a lot of accolades for his work. In 2008 he was awarded the Officier de l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture . He was named the outstanding photographer of the year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America in 1983. Above all, he was declared a Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservarcy.
5. He was a style reporter for New York Times and later he reported for Women’s Wear Daily. We cannot talk about Bill Cunningham without talking about his photos.
We will miss his photography and his presence in the fashion world forever. Here are few of our favorites from his NY times Style section.