Bill Cunningham Leaves a Colorful Legacy

I mourn the passing of a beloved NYC icon, a photographic genius and a truly remarkable human being.  Mr. Cunningham passed away at age 87 which saddens & surprises me.  As an ubiquitous figure (albeit surreptitiously) around the social & street scene in NYC, I thought him invincible.  Mr. C also considered himself invulnerable. No amount of cajoling could convince him to don a bicycle helmet.  Perhaps this framed his artistic eye in a manner he did not choose or maybe he felt the helmet a fashion faux pas.  This is not to ponder - but adds wonder to his magical mystique.  Bill would drop in at an event, clandestinely shoot & with a twinkle, disappear.  Spotting him around town on his bike in his vivid cerulean rain jacket was like spotting a rainbow.  Bill was a fashionista of street fashion as well as haute couture of high society.  My girlfriend & I were fortunate to hear him speak at the 92ndY just last year to a sold out crowd.  It was an unforgettable evening where the man behind the lens was the focus.  He charmed us with his warmth, his wit and his kindheartedness.  He received a joyous standing ovation.  But Bill Cunningham has given us so much.  He will be sadly missed.  Thank you for the legacy you left us.  Thank you for making us feel special.  Thank you for the memories.  Thank you….