Bill Cunningham, NY Times fashion photographer, dies at 87

Cunningham, who died today at the age of 87 after falling victim to a stroke, was fashion photography’s most democratic eye.

In his obituary for the Times Jacob Bernstein writes, “The sartorial moments Cunningham captured spanned 40 years, and his portfolio as a whole is notable for charting the move from formal conformity to the individual style now celebrated by the street-style photographers who have followed in his path”.

In 2008, the French government awarded Cunningham with the Legion d’Honneur.

Although Cunningham was profiled in the 2010 documentary film Bill Cunningham New York, he didn’t own a television or go to the movies. While obsessed with the clothes and accessories on the people surrounding him, Cunningham usually donned a loose blue worker’s jacket and khaki trousers – allowing everyone else to shine.

In a 2002 article, “The Picture Subjects Talk Back“, by Cathy Horny, Gelb called the photographs a “turning point” for Cunningham.

Alessandra Codinha, the fashion news editor for Vogue.com, tweeted after his death was announced, “RIP Bill Cunningham, a true gentleman and irreplaceable talent”.

The newspaper’s publisher Arthur Sulzberger said in a statement, “We have lost a legend, and I am personally heartbroken to have lost a friend”. According to the Times, he claimed until his death to have never watched it. It was there-after receiving his first camera from illustrator Antonio Lopez-Bill began documenting people whose style he admired.

In 1978, his first photo set published in the New York Times featured passers-by on the corner of his beloved 57th and 5th, including the elusive Greta Garbo wearing a fur coat, beanie and sunglasses.

However, unlike some fashion critics and photographers, Cunningham was known for his unflappable charm and good nature, always ready with a smile and encouraging word for even the newest would-be fashion star.

“I realized that you didn’t know anything unless you photographed the shows and the street, to see how people interpreted what designers hoped they would buy”.

“I suppose, in a amusing way, I’m a record keeper”. “But fashion is doing its job”.