A Stylish Movie Review – Bill Cunnigham New York

The most compelling film, much like the most compelling personal style, is such because of a certain element of surprise or even paradox. For example, the idea of a classic Chanel jacket worn with a pair of jeans was, not so long ago, considered revolutionary for contrasting the ultimate status-symbol with a material deemed appropriate for only the most casual activities.

In much the same way, the phenomenon of internet street-style blogs has changed the idea of what constitutes good taste and effectively challenges the idea that fashion is merely an interpretation of the runway. But if The Sartorialist is the patron-saint of the blogger, then Bill Cunningham is the godfather.

Bill Cunningham New York is a documentary about the man who has been shooting “On The Street”, the New York Times street style column, for the past 3 decades. Cunningham states, “I realized that you didn’t know anything unless you photographed the shows and the street, to see how people interpreted what designers hoped they would buy. I realized that the street was the missing ingredient.” The most interesting thing about Bill Cunningham is that he is the antithesis of fashion himself. He is plainly dressed, not interested in fame or money, lived at the time of filming, in one of the last artist studios in Carnegie Hall, and could care less about the celebrity factor of his subject matter. In his own words, “I don’t see the people I photograph. All I see are clothes. I’m only interested in people who look good. I’m looking for the stunners.”

Bill Cunningham New York is, without a doubt, a documentary about fashion, but it’s fashion on the most democratic level, shown through the eyes of it’s biggest, and most unassuming fan.

– Kendra