1. 10HOTSTORIES
Words:CharlotteMcGarryPhoto:SplashNews
BILL CUNNINGHAM, LEGENDARY
FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER AND
JOURNALIST FOR THE NEW
YORK TIMES, passed away on 25
June in Manhattan, aged 87. Hailed
by many as the founder of street style
photography, Cunningham’s honest
portrayal of the city’s sartorial scene
made waves in the fashion world and
is widely praised for its acute – almost
anthropological – insight into an era of
changing style.
Cunningham was such a constant
amid the bustle of New York City
that in 2009, he was declared a
Living Landmark for his exceptional
contribution to the city. This was just
one of many accolades accrued by
the legendary figure – he was named
Outstanding Photographer of the
Year 1983 by the Council of Fashion
Designers of America, bestowed by the
8
ripped up cheques from magazines – his
stand against the money-driven world
of celebrity paparazzi. “Beware, child,
of falling into the trappings of the rich,”
Cunningham once warned an aspiring
fashion writer, “You mustn’t let yourself
be compromised”.
This honesty and integrity, combined
with his remarkable eye, which – in the
words of Anna Wintour – had the
knack to “see something, on the street
or on the runway, that completely
missed all of us,” established
Cunningham as a true visionary and
bastion of the fashion world.
A host of famous friends have
recently taken to social media to pay
tribute to the late icon. “Without the
great photographer Bill Cunningham,
there would be no street style. Talent,
taste, and kindness in abundance!”
said Michael Kors. Naomi Campbell
expressed her grief at losing “such
a great man with a beautiful soul,”
while Carolina Herrera lamented, “I
personally mourn the death of unique
New Yorker, Bill Cunningham. He was a
great photographer, artist, and a faithful
friend to the fashion world. The city
won’t be the same without him.”
French government with the Legion
d’Honneur in 2008, and for the
2012 gala at which he was presented
with the Carnegie Hall Medal of
Excellence, guests were instructed to
“Come dressed for Bill.”
Yet Cunningham was never the sort
to bask in the world of fame, shunning
celebrity and stardom for the streets
– a domain in which he produced his
most original work. He lived modestly,
residing in a small Midtown studio
until 2010 and eating the same Dhs11
breakfast at a local deli nearly every
day. Despite attending a black tie gala
or fashion event almost every evening,
Cunningham never accepted a free
meal or goody bag, and famously
Cunningham’s
signature style:
a blue jacket
and bicycle
accessorised
with his beloved
35mm camera
Farewell to street style’s founding father
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