‘Flix Flick: Bill Cunningham New York

This incredibly moving documentary profiles The New York Times fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham. In his eighties, he (still) creates and edits two columns in the newspaper—On the Street and Evening Hours.

Bill can be found on the corner of 57^th and 5^th, taking photographs of the many eclectic styles worn by New Yorkers. Donning his signature blue smock, plain pants and sensible shoes, Bill is a hawk of an observer, supremely focused on his strutting prey. He quickly snaps pictures of women’s heels (all shapes and heights), men’s hats and suits (all cuts and colors), and more, as these unique individuals glide through the concrete jungle. At the end of an expedition, he unlocks his bicycle and rides back in traffic to The Times to edit and direct the On the Street layout, which showcases the style trends on the sidewalks.

Bill also works nights too—as an event photographer covering high-fashion shows, charity events, and all things high society, which is compiled into the Evening Hours spread. Anna Wintour, Vogue magazine’s Editor-In-Chief is interviewed, as well as other fashion staples, such as Iris Apfel, and a woman by the name of Editta Sherman, Bill’s spitfire of a neighbor in the legendary Carnegie Hall Studios, who has also had quite the artistic career herself.

Charming and ironic, the film allows the viewer to see a man living an incredibly simple life amidst all the flash and vitality of New York’s downtown and uptown cultures. Here’s a man who sometimes wears a black poncho and instead of throwing it away when there’s a rip in it, he repairs it and says, “…a little tape and we’re back in business.”

Bill Cunningham New York is a touching reminder that a simple, honest life can be a wonderfully content, rich life, filled with passion for career, a few good friends, and respect from others. Bill’s smile is full from ear to ear and is seen a lot throughout the film. It’s best seen at his 80^th birthday party when he blows out the candles on his cake. The pride on his face leaps through the screen. He also poignantly reminds us on his trip to Paris of the old adage, “He who seeks beauty will find it.” And he’s made that search his life, however with that, comes certain sacrifices. BSo