Image above via Jiyang Chen.
Bill Cunningham was a treasure, even the City of New York declared him a living landmark in 2009. It was a shock to hear he had suffered a stroke earlier this week, and also startling to be reminded he was 87, a glaring reminder that perhaps he wouldn’t photograph forever, after all. And then indeed, it was announced today by the NY Times that he had passed. Every day he was here was a gift to all people, but especially members of the fashion community.
Thank goodness Bill Press had the presence of mind to make the documentary Bill Cunningham New York, a challenging undertaking in large part because of Cunningham’s intensely humble nature, he simply didn’t view himself as worthy of coverage. The film contains Anna Wintour stating the oft-repeated quote, “We all get dressed for Bill,” as well as a dozen other gems, including Cunningham’s acceptance in 2009 of an award from the French Ministry of Culture in 2008, a speech he closed with the touching words, “Those who seek beauty will find it.”
Watch the entire film below.