Bill Cunningham
Bill Cunningham, the famed photographer who zoomed between New York fashion shows on just a bicycle and his classic blue jacket, has passed away at the age of 87 in New York. He started off as a street fashion photographer and went on to become a major figure in fashion photography for his ability to capture arresting fleeting moments. He was most famous for his candid photographs, where he would catch models going about their daily routines or New Yorkers oblivious to the camera.
From Rihanna to Anna Wintour, messages keep pouring in, mourning this great loss to the world. Here’s the five reason why Bill Cunningham will always be remembered as the king of street style.
Bill Cunningham for the NY Times
He spotted trends seasons in advance
One brilliant aspect of Cunningham that all fashion insiders agreed on was his ability to notice trends before anyone else. Stemming from his adoration of hats, Cunningham was able to point out what would soon be “hot” seasons in advance.
Bill Cunningham
His photos represented the whole breadth of NYC
He often shot for major events such as the Met Ball, yet he was also known for his ability to portray New York City through his photos by taking pictures of everyone on the street; from individuals in outlandish clothing to fashionable dogs. Dean Baquet, the Times’ executive editor said: “To see a Bill Cunningham spread was to see all of New York.”
Bill Cunningham and Anna Wintour at NYFW
Everyone in the fashion industry adored him
Cunningham’s influence within the fashion industry was immense, despite the fact that he believed that the best fashion shows were actually on the street. Anna Wintour simply said: “We all get dressed for Bill.”
Bill Cunningham
He was a journalist with integrity
He counted himself more as a journalist than as a fashion photographer and therefore strived to capture the essence of fleeting moments. He never edited or staged any of the photos, thus adding onto the rawness that was encapsulated in all his runway and street photos.
Bill Cunningham on his bike. Source: japantimes.co.jp
Above all he was humble
Despite being one of the most well-known photographers in the fashion world, Cunningham was known for being humble . His independence as a photographer and journalist was underscored when he said: “If you don’t take the money, they can’t tell you what to do.” He refused to have chauffeured cars and other monetary benefits, and rather opted to bike around from one show to another in the name of creative freedom.