last night i was invited by legendary VERONICA WEBB and friends RACHEL ROY and JUNE AMBROSE to watch a screening of legendary fashion photographer and NEW YORK CITY icon – BILL CUNNINGHAM.
the film is brilliant! it documents BILL’s life and his incredible infectious spirit. at 81 years old he is still the hardest working and most honest photo journalist around.
WINTOUR, who is among the fashion folks featured notes: “Just seeing Mr. Cunningham not raise camera to eye is enough to strike dread into the heart of a fashion editor”
at one point in the film when CUNNINGHAM is in PARIS for fashion week, there was a paparazzi frenzy over CATHERINE DENEUVE was leaving a show. BILL didn’t shoot once. when asked why he responded with ease – “She wasn’t wearing anything interestingâ€.
with no interest for celebrity shots, he ALWAYS ONLY goes for fashion. be it a nameless club kid, a delivery man or ANNA WINTOUR – his camera only snaps for fashion.
the film not only paints an interesting portrait of this private and true artist, it also gives a bit of history regarding NEW YORK and PARIS. how DETAILS magazine was founded in the early 80’s and how fashion shows (years ago) never had a photographers or eager designers attempting to steal styles in their midst.
just his dedication to his work inspired me. he talks about how once you get a pay check for your work it ruins your creative vision, you don’t have control over it. how when he goes to events to photograph he doesn’t look at the guest list, he goes to find fashion…and he doesn’t eat or “wine and dine” as he calls it (not even water), because he is there for work. BRILLIANT!!!
i highly suggest watching this film. especially to fellow artists.
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my photos from last night…
*RACHEL ROY and JUNE AMBROSE
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