I know that it’s been over a week since the news about Bill Cunningham’s passing broke.
However, his impact on the fashion industry was too great not to mention, especially because he is such an inspiration. During my first New York Fashion Week a few years ago, I was excited to see the collections, but more so, I was really really really hoping that I’d get a glimpse—and hopefully a photo—of Bill Cunningham in action.
When I spotted him outside of a show, quietly moving amongst the crowd, taking photos, I was instantly star-struck. I’d seen one of my heroes. I asked him if I could take a photo, and he nodded yes, and said, “But could you just…” and gestured for me to stand aside to take my photo so he could do his work. I’d never felt so cool and uncool at the same time, to have had any sort of exchange with Bill Cunningham—even if it was just so he could tell me to move out of the way.
Words fail me, but here are some from the man himself, that sum up why he was so bloody great.
“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.“
“The problem is I’m not a good photographer. To be perfectly honest, I’m too shy. Not aggressive enough. Well, I’m not aggressive at all. I just loved to see wonderfully dressed women, and I still do. That’s all there is to it.“
“I go out every day. When I get depressed at the office, I go out, and as soon as I’m on the street and see people, I feel better. But I never go out with a preconceived idea. I let the street speak to me.“
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Kate St.Louis 