Legendary Photographer Bill Cunningham Passes Away at 87
The New York Times reports that Bill Cunningham has passed away at age 87 after a recent stroke.
Cunningham spent nearly 40 years working as a fashion photographer for The New York Times. He became an integral and beloved part of the city's fashion scene—though, of course, his influence on the industry extended far beyond New York. "We all get dressed for Bill," Anna Wintour said in the 2011 documentary Bill Cunningham New York.
Immediately recognisable by his signature blue jacket, bicycle and ever-present smile, Cunningham was a champion of individuality. "A lot of people have taste," Cunningham said in the documentary, "but they don't have the daring to be creative. Here we are in an age of cookie-cutter sameness. There are a few that are rarities—someone who doesn't look like they were stamped out of ten million other people looking all the same."
Scroll down to see the touching ways the fashion industry is paying tribute to the legendary Bill Cunningham.
What's your favourite Bill Cunningham memory? Share with us in the comments below, and revisit his legendary work by buying the 2011 documentary, Bill Cunningham New York.
Opening Image: Getty Images
Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 13 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of Associate Director of Fashion News (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.
