remembering a fashion photographer

Bill Cunninghan died this week, 

and the fashion world is poorer for it.

He was a milliner in his youth.

Turned to photography later in life.

I met him at Ellen Backer’s apartment on east 74th street, at a party in the late 1970’s and then saw him around town over the years.

Last Summer I ran into him again, out on Governor’s Island.

He noticed I was taking his picture—-something he never appreciated—-and shooed me off with the back of his hand right after I grabbed this shot of him eating his lunch.

Another wonderful part of old New York is behind us.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Cunningham.