Bill Cunningham

Bill Cunningham (1929-2016) was an American fashion photographer known for his candid street photography and his work for The New York Times. Cunningham began his career in fashion as a milliner under the label William J., but after serving in the U.S. Army, he shifted his focus to fashion journalism and photography. He was a regular presence on the streets of New York City, often seen riding his bicycle and photographing people and their attire. Cunningham's work was characterized by his interest in capturing the personal style of everyday people rather than celebrities or models. His photographs were a fixture in The New York Times, where he contributed for nearly 40 years, particularly in his regular feature "On the Street." Cunningham's work has been exhibited at institutions such as the New-York Historical Society and the Musée d'Art Moderne in Paris. In 2008, he was awarded the Officier de l'ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture. Cunningham was the subject of the documentary film Bill Cunningham New York (2010), which highlighted his influence on fashion and photography. His approach to street style photography has inspired generations of photographers and has had a lasting impact on the fashion industry.