I had the distinct pleasure and opportunity to see an amazing and very moving documentary film, Bill Cunningham New York this week at the Harvard Exit Theater in Seattle (Which is amazing by the way, if you haven’t been I HIGHLY recommend going there). The film followed noted fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, Bill is well known throughout New York City and beyond even in Paris, France for his creative and artistic photos of people, the clothes they wear, shoes etc. Bill’s pictures are published in the New York Times in his own piece titled, On the Street with Bill Cunningham. Bill rides around New York City on a simple bike and simply photographs people as they go by, he says the streets are where the real fashion is, the streets are his fashion show, runway and creative place to discover all the wonders that people decide to leave their homes in. Cunningham is known by the likes of American Vogue’s editor in chief Anna Wintour, the late philanthropist and New York City Socialite Brooke Astor, and many other prominent figures in the world of fashion.

“I’ve said many times that we all get dressed for Bill.” Anna Wintour, editor in chief of American Vogue, shares in the film.

The film was truly awe inspiring, Bill’s story is unique and like none other. Words really cannot describe how moved and inspired I felt upon leaving the theater. Bill’s positive and independent outlook on life is humbling and eye opening. My favorite part of the film was not only getting to enjoy the beauty in all of his pictures but his quirky comments and takes on life, the best one was that he said he doesn’t like to take money from people because the moment you begin doing this the person who did the giving is in charge of you in a sense, that not accepting any form of payment means you can be as free and as creative as you like. He is so very right. It’s a touching film, I may or may not have even shed a few tears. Go see it!