Bill Cunningham Cnr
Scenes from today’s ceremony honoring Bill Cunningham, NYT’s fashion chronicler, life chronicler and NYC street photographer with 50 years shooting under his belt .
Bill died aged 87 on June 26.
A true legend I had the thrill of first seeing Mr Cunningham at work on the corner of 5th Ave and 57th St in the days after Hurricane Sandy swept through the city. In his absolute natural element, always catching the tone of the day, the days that added up to a lifetime’s dedication to the changing sways of fashion’s many feathers.
In the thick of it but always at arm’s length, as invisible as possible, free forever –
“If you don’t take money, they can’t tell you what to do, kid.”
Back to today’s ceremony and the naming of Bill Cunningham Cnr where else but on the corner of 57th Ave and 5th Ave where a gathering of family, friends, colleagues, city familiars and bewildered wanderers happy to get their “only in New York fix” clapped and snapped as Bill passed into the municipal eternity that will forever be his patch in the city.
John Kurdewan, above left, (and er, slightly out of focus …sorry) Bill’s assistant at the NYT’s. What was it like working for Bill? Find out here!
Interesting fact – Bill went digital at the age of 83.
His death leaves a big hole in the Sunday edition of the New York Times where he had two features in the Style section, the first dedicated to the latest fashion that week in the street, the second covering the night time glitz and glam of the city’s social mountains to climb. Celebrity blind, it was all the same to Bill.
“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been. Always will be.”
Bill Cunningham
1929 – 2016
Great photos, Patti. Bill would have liked them.
He would not have liked the fuss. Thank you Gerard!
I remember the great Cunningham’s smile. Very good images and very interesting people portraits !!
Thank you Carlos and yes, he did have a lovely smile!
Patti magnificent testimony to an exceptional photographer. I’m glad that street bears his name, nice tribute but I am sad not to live NYC, I have been pleased to be at your side to make this tribute to Bill. I love your presence news NYC, continues to follow everything that happens. Congratulations Patti.
Such lovely words, thank you Chris and always great to be following along with you in London!
Always admired Bill so it is great the see your photographs capturing the colourful New Yorkers paying tribute to him……thanks Patti.
Thank you Burgess, he certainly spanned the generations and seemed to keep the energy of his youth. Inspirational!
Quite some characters around.. Good set, Patti.
For sure! Thank you Harrie!
An appropriate tribute and a get place for street photography. Look at that passing parade.
Honestly Lignum the parade there never seems to stop.
Wonderful images and a great tribute to Mr. Cunningham Patti. I agree with Gerard Bill would have liked them 🙂
What a life, hey Joe! Big thank you and hope you are keeping cool out where you are – shooting the breeze perhaps?
beautiful and powerful tribute…wonderful series Patti ❤
Thank you so much Hedy 🌹
☺️
sometimes you’re already working as he did, you know too: “The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been. Always will be.”
Bill was a definite master! Thank you so much for kind words Frizz.
Great to see this tribute vicariously through your eyes, Patti. Wonderful photos.
My pleasure and thank you Angeline!
Very sad. Love your shots, though, Patti. A very fitting tribute.
He was one of those people destined to live forever, thank you so much Richard.
OMG how I wish I was in New York on this day. Your images are magnificent, every one. What a wonderful tribute. So, so jealous. Bill Cunningham is a hero of mine…and now you are too 🙂
You are way too kind Lisa and sending you a big NYC thank you!
How wonderful that the corner was names for him! and aren’t all of the people so interesting, so colorful, the happy to be there in his honor.
Not a bad patch to call your own that’s for sure. See you here soon Laurie!!!
that is wonderful 🙂
Many thanks Joshi!
Bill and his work was and still is so adored and it is great to the see your photographs capturing the people/ characters of New York paying tribute to him, and what a wonderful idea that a street corner has his name. Many thanks Patti.
His personal integrity is truly inspirational, particularly in that world of fiercely competitive egos! I met one of his male street fashion gets the other night and he teared up at the thought of Bill’s passing….. Lovely to hear from you as ever thank you James.
BTW, finally saw the Danny Lyon exhibit, WOW! The number of photos on display was awesome, a prolific shooter and chronicler who is definitely on top of his game when it comes to organizing the output.
Great you documented tribute to Bill.
Thank you Ruth!
I had no idea that he had passed. What a loss. I remember watching his documentary for the first time and thinking that his work was truly amazing.
~A.R.
Isn’t it such a wonderful documentary, so pleased you enjoyed it Arianna!
A great tribute Patti… in images and in words. RIP.
Thank you so much Madhu!
Beautiful shots, Patti. Everytime I see your work I want to run into the streets with my camera. And I never do! Why should I when you do it so well!
Go on out there Emilio, you can do it!
Excellent…
…and their clothes are pretty cool!
Thank you so much Rabirius!
Oh, I loved him. This is a wonderful celebration of him and you captured so many fabulous people, Patti!
A nice tribute.
A fine tribute, Patti. Your paparazzi photos are always a joy.