Bill Cunningham: Iconic Fashion Photographer for The New York Times
June 4, 2014
Bill Cunningham, the iconic eighty-something-year-old photographer for The New York Times, spots and photographs the fashion trends every day on the streets of New York. I have been fascinated by this talented man for decades. You read about “Bill sightings” in blogs and see photographs of him taken by his fans on Instagram. I invite him to events many of my Public Relations clients host. I’m delighted when I open the Sunday New York Times and Bill Cunningham’s images appear boldly in the Style section.
Perhaps you have seen him riding his Schwinn bicycle throughout the streets of New York City or you have seen him quietly taking pictures at an event in NYC, the Hamptons, Boston or Newport. You can’t miss his bright blue jacket that he wears everywhere.
“More than anyone else in the city, he has the whole visual history of the last 40 or 50 years of New York. It’s the total scope of fashion in the life of New York.” – Oscar de la Renta
The New-York Historical Society Museum & Library is presenting a photography exhibit Bill Cunningham: FACADES through June 15. They say, “In 1968 Bill embarked on an eight-year project to document the architectural riches and fashion history of NYC. He generated a photographic essay entitled Facades, which paired models– in particular his muse, fellow photographer Editta Sherman — in period costumes with historic settings”.
I attended the exhibit yesterday and I think everyone in New York City should run and see it. If you aren’t in New York City, or read this at a later date, I have included photographs of Bill’s show below….and at the end are a few images of Bill at an event I work on yearly. You can also rent the fascinating film Bill Cunningham New York on Netflix or on iTunes for $3.99. Watch the film trailer here. You’ll be glad you experienced his work — in any format you can.
All photos taken with my iPhone 5s.
Love the subject. Love the French lady. LOVE the blog! And yes, the documentary is great, too. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Steffie, thanks for reading and for enjoying Bill Cunningham so much!
So happy to see the Paris Theatre photograph again. It was my favourite in the exhibit. Bill Cunningham is a treasure.
Hi Debra! He is a treasure, so happy to share about how brilliant he is. I’m going to watch the documentary again…and thanks for commenting!
Looks like it was a wonderful show! What a history this man has captured in his iconic images through the years!
Hi Karen, I just wanted to make sure you felt at home with NYC images! Miss you in NY. Thanks for saying hi.
What a fun exhibit, Nancy…thank you for sharing! How special for you to be able to work with such a talent at The Hampton Classic.
It’s the most beautiful show, hope you make it one year!
Love all these photos as always and the unique perspective of capturing how people are moved by others’ humanity. Also appreciate the title of his exhibit! Thank you for another great post and for sharing with us this iconic man’s work!
It’s always a treat to get your comments, thanks. This enthusiastic older woman was a dream to watch. If you haven’t seen Bill Cunningham’s documentary, I would for $3.99. Will make you fall more in love with nyc.
I miss living in NYC. So I love when you put up your wonderful photographs capturing city life!
Great shots Nan!
Hey, Raffie, thank YOU.
Once again, loving this post! So cool that you made it out to his show (which I really would love to check out). Im sure he thought you were a pleasure to work with as well!
What a wonderful tribute to BC! Thanks, Nancy.