If you followed New York Fashion Week through the eyes of a fashion blogger i.e. on an Instagram page, chances are you’ll have seen his name mentioned. If you’re just fashion obsessed like we are, you’ll definitely recognise the name. But who exactly is Bill Cunningham?
Bill Cunningham is an American Fashion photographer for the New York Times. At 86 years of age he continues attending New York Fashion Week; in the front row in his signature blue French jacket, with his trustee camera in his hands. This past month he has been spotted at the Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors shows just to name a few.
Cunningham’s first spread for the New York Times (zeitgeistfilms.com)
L-R: Cunningham at the Rodate Spring 2016 show, (Source: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images, NYTimes.com), Cunningham’s well known articles for the New York Times
Beginning his career as a writer, the young fashion journalist introduced many to the likes of Azzedine Alaia as he flourished as a fashion journalist. It was when he took a candid photograph of legendary actress Greta Garbo that he became recognised and eventually to run a regular series in the Times of impromptu photographs.
He is known to shun away from taking paparazzi-like photos of celebrities on the red carpet events and instead turns to those passing in the streets of Manhattan. Taking a realistic and raw approach, he focuses on the genuine. Although not impartial to a fashion show or a few he always maintains that, “The best fashion show is definitely on the street”. The personal taste and distinctive style of individuals drives and excites Cunningham rather than the often contrived and insincere. He is said to be the first to spot trends or predict them having seen and taken a multitude of photographs. His love and understanding of fashion itself is pronounced and fierce. His attention for detail doubtless. His honest photography inspiring.
“I am not interested in celebrities with their free dresses. I am interested in clothes.” – Bill Cunningham
Everyone wants to be and is happy to be associated with the veteran, with even the notoriously intimidating Anna Wintour sharing “we all get dressed for Bill,”. The late designer Oscar de la Renta also proclaimed, “more than anyone else in the city, he has the whole visual history of the last 40 or 50 years of New York.” lauding his praises. His subjects include, Iris Apfel and Carine Roitfeld. And it’s not just his fashion photography skills that people love. His minimalistic lifestyle, humility and unostentatious personality add to his aspiring profile.
“The point is that fashion is the armour to survive the reality of everyday life.” – Bill Cunningham
Today, he is know as one of, if not the greatest street style photographers out there and he continues to shower the world with his captivating talents. In a world filled with artificial and chichi, it’s nice to see a sense of humanity and authenticity.
Rukaiyah Dadhiwala