Bill Cunningham

Today I went to see a beautiful documentary-movie of a street fashion photographer Bill Cunninham. I was mesmerized and profoundly affected. First Bill's sense of wonder and awe had such an innocent childish quality about it. Secondly he had manners - he sought to protect his subjects that he was photographing. He was not interested in celebrities. He was interested in the ordinary person making bold and creative use of fashion. People who felt compelled to express themselves. In defending fashion he said fashion is like an armor that helps one get through the day. Without fashion life would be so dreary. And unimaginative. What a refreshing take on fashion which often has been confused with vanity and excess. As opposed to a possible avenue for beauty, inspiration and self-knowledge. I also loved the fact that he did the work he did out of love. He worked in the early days in the "establishment" - meaning a newspaper. And at night he did all his creative work up till 4am in the morning. He clearly had amazing energy or maybe it was the work that gave him the energy. But at 82 being able to look back at his life and smile the way he does. And talk with so much passion about his work is a real source of joy. His fluency in French and how he says he comes to Paris every 6 months like a student to educate his eyes. That was an amazing insight. When accepting an award from the French he almost broke down when he says He who seeks beauty shall find it.