There's been a long line of beautiful, fashion-focused films that have been released in recent years, including Tom Ford's A Single Man, Valentino: The Last Emperor, Lagerfeld Confidential and of course, The September Issue. But it's possible that none have captured a subject as fascinating as New York Times photographer and street style legend (seriously, move the fuck over Scott Schuman) Bill Cunningham.
The eye behind the Times' On the Street (view the most recent edition here and video slideshows narrated by Cunningham himself here) and Evening Hours columns, Cunningham documents what stylish New Yorkers are actually, you know, wearing - yes, on the streets - be it highbrow (think couture) or low (fanny packs, anyone?)
What fascinated me the most is that at heart, Cunningham is both a minimalist (his lifestyle is a stark contrast to the glamorous galas that he covers for Evening Hours, for example) and an absolute purist, particularly when it comes to spotting trends. Even when covering the shows, he photographs only what he loves, and what a real woman (a "marvelous, exotic bird of paradise"- kind of woman, naturally), could wear or is wearing. He doesn't believe in fashion as art, but instead as "armor for everyday life."
"See I don’t decide anything. I let the street speak to me. And in order for the street to speak to you, you’ve got to stay out there and see what it is! You don’t just manufacture in your head that skirts at the knee are the thing, and you go out and photograph people with skirts at the knee. You’ve got to stay on the street and let the street tell YOU what it is. There’s no shortcuts, believe me," he says in the film.
For those who love fashion, this doc is a must-see. It's running at select theaters nationwide, including Film Forum in New York City through Tuesday, March 29. For showtimes and or to snag tickets online, visit the site.
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