“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been. Always will be,” Bill Cunningham had quoted.
On June 25, 2016, Bill Cunningham passed away at 87 years old. He died in New York after suffering from a stroke. Bill was very popular in the fashion world as he worked alongside The New York Times. He was a fashion photographer.
How did Cunningham manage to land a job with The New York Times? It all started when he was working with the Chicago Tribune. He suddenly felt an urge to take pictures. There was just one problem however, he did not own a camera. When he received his very first camera from David Montgomery, a photographer, it was almost like magic. He started snapping photo after photo of fashion on the street, soon landing him a position at The New York Times. For him, this was a huge turning point. His work would soon be recognized and a few awards would even be coming his way.
First, in 1983 he was named outstanding photographer of the year by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. In 2008, he was awarded with Officier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, meaning that Cunningham had made significant contributions in major fields, such as the arts.
Those were not the only awards he earned. In 2009, he was coined to be a living landmark by New York Landmarks Conservancy. Three years later in 2012, Bill was lucky enough to have earned the Carnegie Hall Medal of Excellence.
Bill had enjoyed his job and always had a smile on his face as he took pictures to show off the street style trend. He had quoted before, “It’s not work, it’s pleasure. That’s why I feel so guilty. Everybody else does work — I have too much fun.”
In 2002, The New York Times first published an article about what it was like to be photographed by Bill Cunningham.
Editor in chief of Vogue, Anna Wintour stated, “I don’t know how many times he has taken my photograph, but we all dress for Bill. You feel he’s the only one who notices or cares how you dress.” In summary, Anna went on to say how Bill would always select the best photo of you. He just wanted you to look your best.
Fashion stylist and editor, Polly Mellen recalled, “He photographed me in a pair of trendy Comme des Garçons shoes with fox pompoms. He’s very hung up on shoes. He’s very hung up on originality.”
Former art director of Details, Lesley Vinson said, “I was this punk rocker with pink hair. I couldn’t believe he was interested in me, because no one else was. But Bill was interested.” Lesley ended her statement with, “Then I realized Bill was one in a million.”
As we mourn the death of fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, it is important to remember all of the recognition he has received, as well as the positive impact he had on not just fashion itself but also street style.
