This past weekend I had the pleasure to watch a documentary about Bill Cunningham the legendary yet enigmatic fashion photographer for the New York Times. Bill Cunningham New York is a charming portrait of the 80-something years old man known for his candid and street fashion photography through his weekly “On the Street” and “Evening Hours” columns. Described as the most important man on Earth by some of the biggest names in the fashion industry he is the only photographer sitting with the buyers at runaways. For designers if Bill’s camera stays down it means you’re in trouble and as Anna Wintour, editor of Vogue, says “We all get dressed for Bill … or he ignores you which is death”. It is funny and intriguing to watch him takes hundreds of pictures at the speed of light.
It is truly a one of a kind documentary about a likeable man living in a cramped studio apartment whose job is to go out in New York on his bicycle in search of beauty and originality photographing people and the passing scene in the streets of News York City and charity events.
Regardless if you have a passion for photography or fashion you will be charmed by this film on Bill’s life and work.