In a class of one.

The New York Times fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, is a special person. His avocation is the photography of fashion in the real world. He records what people are wearing on the streets of Manhattan, the fashion center of the world, and has been doing so for fifty years.

Cunningham with one of his 27 bikes.

The best way to learn about this remarkably self effacing photographer is to rent the documentary about his work Bill Cunningham New York where you see him at work. He rides his bike all over Manhattan and is now on his 27th, the previous 26 having been stolen over the years! That’s New York for you.

The work is not great in the sense of representing iconic images of a time and place. But its comprehensive nature over decades shows how taste and style in clothing changes, a fascinating subject in itself.

Some favorite quotes:

• I eat with my eyes.
• All the designers come to Paris to steal.
• Clothes keep us alive.
• I have never owned a television and I rarely go to the movies.
• I just like fashion as an art form, dressing the body.
• My dear, it’s not work, it’s pleasure.
• He who seeks beauty will find it. (On receiving the Legion d’Honneur).

The movie is highly recommended and you will not fail to be charmed by Cunningham’s personality, ascetic lifestyle, work ethic and sheer joie de vivre.

You can read more at the New York Times by clicking here.