La leyenda del street style se despide. RIP Bill Cullingham

Por Gabilú Mireles– En las calles de Nueva York, durante Fashion Week y el resto de las semanas del año, se veía pasar a un hombre de pelo blanco, chamarra azul y cámara en cuello, siempre arriba de una bicicleta.

Con una sonrisa, se detenía en plena calle y con su lente capturaba -cual antropólogo recabando información en una jungla de concreto- los atuendos más extravagantes, elegantes y representativos de una temporada o hasta de una generación.

Él era Bill Cunningham, el pionero de la fotografía de street style, colaborador y columnista por más de 40 años en la sección de moda del New York Times y favorito de los famosos por su espíritu amable y actitud caballerosa.

Cunningham falleció este pasado sábado en Manhattan a los 87 años, tras haber sido hospitalizado días antes por un infarto.

Con su partida, las industria de la moda y Hollywood rinden tributo a su trayectoria a través de sus redes sociales.

RIP Bill Cunningham. An inspiration in his work and commitment to photography and fashion.

Una foto publicada por Scott Schuman (@thesartorialist) el 25 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 8:19 PDT

Sad to learn of the passing of the fashion photography legend, one of the kindest people I met, Bill Cunningham. Rest in Peace and thank you for sharing so many smiles with me

Una foto publicada por Miroslava Duma (@miraduma) el 26 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 2:29 PDT

«The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been, and always will be.» – #BillCunningham. Today we remember the #NYC legend and pioneer of #streetstyle photography. ???#RIPBillCunningham

Una foto publicada por NET-A-PORTER (@netaporter) el 26 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 2:05 PDT

RIP #BillCunningham. A true gentleman and wonderful artist. You will be missed xx

Una foto publicada por Anne Hathaway (@annehathaway) el 25 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 9:26 PDT

ALL HAIL BILL CUNNINGHAM! He was a legend. One of a kind. Beyond special and unique. Watch BILL CUNNINGHAM NEW YORK, the incredible documentary on his life. Every time I would see him at an event with his camera I would watch him and marvel. He put so many beautiful images into the world and saw people and fashion in a way that will always be iconic to him.

Una foto publicada por Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) el 25 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 3:18 PDT

I remember being almost starstruck the first time Bill stepped in front of me with his camera on the street. I was honored. He’s told incredible, iconic, real-life fashion stories with his photos, and his spirit will live forever in the industry. #RIPBillCunningham – a fashion icon

Una foto publicada por Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) el 25 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 4:10 PDT

First rule in this thang….when Bill asks for a picture…pose bitch!!! R.I.P Legend!  We gon’ miss you in dese streets!!! #BillCunningham

Una foto publicada por badgalriri (@badgalriri) el 26 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 6:35 PDT

I was so sad yesterday to hear of the passing of the legendary, Bill Cunningham. Here’s a little story… I watched a documentary about this iconic NY street style photographer, called «Bill Cunningham New York» last year (a must see if you’re into fashion, btw). I was so taken by this sweet man & his commitment to his art… you can’t help but fall in love with him. All I could think after watching was, I want to be photographed by Bill! How cool would that be?! A few months later I was in NYC for fashion week. I stepped out of my car at the DVF show & photographers started snapping shots. I was so distracted by what was happening in front of me, that I didn’t realize there was a familiar face in a familiar blue jacket taking pictures to my left. My stylist Madison (who is equally obsessed with Bill) gets my attention amidst the chaos & points at sweet Bill. What happened next was completely unexpected. I saw him, freaked out & excitedly screamed «BILLLL!!!». I’m pretty sure I startled him & he shyly smiled & took some pictures of me. A wave of emotion came over me & I started to cry. I tried to hide my tears of joy as I posed for a few more shots, hoping that people wouldn’t notice. I made my way over to Bill & told him how much I loved him & asked for a picture. He was so adorable & kind & gentle. #RIP #BillCunningham It was an honor to have met you & to have been photographed by you. I hope wherever you are, you still have that camera of yours. ????

Una foto publicada por Victoria Justice (@victoriajustice) el 26 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 10:38 PDT

In loving tribute to Bill Cunningham, the OG street style spectator. Your presence, photographs and infectious smile will be missed immensely. Thank you for living your passion. #BillCunningham

Una foto publicada por Menswear Dog (@mensweardog) el 26 de Jun de 2016 a la(s) 8:43 PD