Bill Cunningham

Have you seen the documentary "Bill Cunningham New York?" It follows the 85-year-old photographer around the city on his bike as he shoots for the NY Times Sunday Styles (On the Street) and (Evening Hours). He is the most adorable, happy, talented man who absolutely loves what he does.  I was so taken with him and throughly enjoyed the movie. If you haven't seen it yet, it's on Netflix and is wonderful. Truly, a special human being.

"I'm not interested in celebrities, I'm interested in clothes" - Bill Cunningham.

 "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." - Bill Cunningham.

One of my favorite parts of the documentary is when the photographer is waiting politely in line with the other journalists to get into the Paris fashion shows. The girl admitting people is completely ignoring him. Another employee rushes past her to allow Cunningham in and tells her, "This is the most important person here."

Up until very recently he lived in this tiny studio on the top floor of Carnegie Hall with no kitchen, closet or private bathroom. In his new apartment he had the landlord take the kitchen out so he would have more room for file cabinets.

"We all get dressed for Bill." - Anna Wintour.

With Annette de la Renta.

His friend and neighbor at Carnegie Hall, the late photographer Editta Sherman, in her apartment.

Photographing at a black tie event. He has a tuxedo for such occasions, but otherwise wears blue smocks that the garbage men wear in Paris "because they have lots of pockets." Although he is always offered food and drink at these parties, he never accepts. Not even a glass of water. A line he won't cross and is therefore never beholden. 

With Sarah Jessica Parker

With Andy Warhol

Cunningham was the only person from the media invited to Brooke Astor's 100th birthday party. He took these photos of her.