R.I.P. Bill Cunningham

26CUNNINGHAM-master768I became an avid New York Times reader in college and I still read it daily.  There are always two things that I have been addicted to in the Times….the daily crossword and On the Street by Bill Cunningham.

His eye for what is happening on the street and how that reflects what is happening be it the economy, politics, music etc is something he zeroed in on like nobody else.

I love this quote that was in his obituary today in the NYTimes.  “Fashion is as vital and as interesting today as ever. I know what people with a more formal attitude mean when they say they’re horrified by what they see on the street. But fashion is doing its job. It’s mirroring exactly our times.”

If you have not seen the documentary that came out in 2010, it is worth taking time out to see. He was truly an extraordinary man who made his impact on the world through a 35 millimeter camera.  He also lived his life the way he wanted to.  A truly humble man who just did what he loved.  My guess after watching the documentary and following him for decades that his impact will be much larger than he ever thought it would be.

Comments (Archived):

  1. Steven Hill

    Surprising super minimalist

    1. Gotham Gal

      he lived so simply.

  2. awaldstein

    I’m a long term fan.And generally a fan of people who define the world we live in through the lens of a camera.

    1. Gotham Gal

      i remember seeing him a few times on the streets of nyc. i was honored to be taken a photo of him by him at the high line event years back and find myself in the sunday section. i was beyond honored.

  3. Susan Rubinsky

    I LOVED him and have been an avid fan of On The Street for so many years. I’m going to miss seeing his work each week.

  4. denmeade

    That documentary about him is one of my favourites. Moving and inspiring.

  5. P.K. Fields

    RIP Bill Cunningham, the Style section will not be the same.

    1. Gotham Gal

      will definitely not.

  6. panterosa,

    Such a great eye for originality and fun. This quote from him shows the fierceness which needs to accompany the whimsy: “Money’s the cheapest thing. Liberty and freedom is the most expensive.” Bill CunninghamI wish we had more vision like his.

    1. Gotham Gal

      I wish we made more vision like this too.