Bill Cunningham: “The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, always will be”
“Bill Cunningham New York,” a documentary about one of the most important people in the fashion industry premiered at Manhattan’s Film Forum last week!
Some of you may have seen Bill at various parties in the city or riding his bike around with his iconic blue jacket snapping shots of fashionable New Yorkers, but not many people know the true person behind his camera lens. This movie captures Bill, his personality, lifestyle, and social network of close friends.
It was beautifully directed by Richard Press and produced by Philip Gefter, both of which were present, and engaged an audience full of people from different backgrounds and professions.
Straight off a plane from London, I met up with my good friend, Paige, for the premiere and we were given the opportunity to have a Q&A with the filmmakers, sit next to Shail Upadhya (in the picture above) who was featured in the film, and meet with Editta Sherman, who was one of Warhol’s muses. It was such an incredible night to share one love everyone had in common: fashion.
Courtesy of Life.com
The Q&A after the premiere included with Director Richard Press and Producer Philip Gefter.
Has Bill seen the documentary yet?
RP: Actually no. It shows how truly selfless and into his work he is even with a huge documentary written about him!
What did you learn about Bill?
RP: Bill brought me back to my innocence.
PG: He taught me to go after what I love because that’s what he did, and he is truly happy.
“Was there anything not included in the film that you wished has been?”
PG: When JFK died, Jackie O. had this beautiful red Dior suit, and didn’t trust anyone except for Bill in regards of fabrics because he was so knowledgeable. Jackie sent her red suit to Bill have dyed black for JFK’s funeral. I wish we could have incorporated that into the film!
If you have a love for fashion, street style, or just are in the mood to go see an inspiring documentary about the man who starts trends through the streets then head on down to the Film Forum on West Houston Street this weekend!
Want to get photographed by Bill? Head on up to the 57th and 5th area, wear pieces that are ‘in’ or just out there, and who knows…you could end up in Bill’s next New York Times Sunday Styles “On the Street” column just like I did last year (see above)!
Editta Sherman – “The Duchess of Carnegie Hall”
My friend, Paige, said something to me that was so inspiring. She said, “Bill appreciates all women who have style. Not just those women who are runway models. No matter who you are, what size, height, weight, you can always be fashionable.”
Featured on SlantMagazine.com
Get out there and flaunt your inner fashionista!
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