Bill Cunningham Was There - by John Kurdewan & Steven Stolman (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Celebrate Bill Cunningham--the iconic New York Times photographer who chronicled society and fashion--with his images of the vibrant events of spring and summer.

Bill Cunningham (1929-2016) embraced the colors, carefree beauty, and escapism of spring outings and summer parties as both a photographer and an astute fashion documentarian. His camera captured the showstopping hats and dresses worn by society ladies at the annual Central Park Conservancy luncheons, the gorgeous gowns sweeping the dance floors of tented galas in Newport and the Hamptons, and the authentic vintage outfits sported by young attendees at summertime jazz and swing-dance festivals. For decades, Cunningham's two weekly columns for the Times remained at the top of every fashionista's go-to list, presenting not only a comprehensive chronicle of the looks of the day but also an insider's view of the glamorous parties and philanthropic events that are part of the social whirl.

This celebration of Cunningham's genius for capturing magical moments with extraordinary style provides a heartfelt insiders' tribute to one of photojournalism's greatest legends.

Review Quotes

"...a celebration and collection of the social events Cunningham shot in New York, Palm Beach, and around the globe. " --DAILY FRONT ROW

"The legendary New York Times photographer chronicled society and fashion while celebrating the people, the style, and the happenings of Manhattan and beyond. This festive volume focuses on the vibrant and fun-filled events of spring and summer." --SOCIETY TEXAS

"Ever since the beloved New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham died in 2016, there's been a hole in our hearts where his whimsical and observant snaps of celebrated clotheshorses and fashionable amateurs alike used to live. In this comprehensive compilation of his work at the spring and summer parties that spawned some of his favorite looks-written by John Kurdewan and Steven Stolman, with a foreword by Ruben Toledo-Cunningham's singular eye is on display once again, and not a moment too soon." --TOWN & COUNTRY

"Bill Cunningham Was There is a must have for one's fashion library, serving as a reminder of the glory of it all." --NEW YORK JOURNAL OF BOOKS

"The quintessential chronicler of fashion and society, Cunningham captured indelible moments full of color, style and joie de vivre at parties and events over the span of decades. Kurdewan, his right-hand man, professionally and personally, for more than a decade delivers an exuberant recognition of his work and a more carefree, glamorous time. " --INDULGEMAGAZINE.COM

About the Author

John Kurdewan served as Bill Cunningham's right-hand man, professionally and personally, for more than a decade. He continues to work as a production artist at The New York Times. Steven Stolman is a Palm Beach-based author and designer. He has contributed to such publications as Town & Country, Elle Decor, and Architectural Digest. Ruben Toledo is a Cuban-American artist. His late wife was the celebrated designer Isabel Toledo. Together, they formed one of fashion's most luminous couples.