They All Dressed for Bill (Cunningham)

John Kurdewan and Joanna Nikas in conversation with Valerie Paley

Using his camera as a notebook, legendary New York Times style photographer Bill Cunningham (1929–2016) became one of the most influential authorities of style and society of his time. With the scrutiny of an anthropologist in the field, he let the streets “speak” to him as he gathered visual data on how fashions mirrored the times.

For years, John Kurdewan, Cunningham’s long-time collaborator and friend, crafted the photographer’s images into iconic layouts for the newspaper, while the Times’ Style section editor and writer Joanna Nikas edited the popular “On the Street” videos, which featured Bill’s inimitable voice. Join them in conversation with Center for Women's History director Valerie Paley as they share anecdotes about the beloved photographer’s process and vision.

Presented by the New-York Historical Society's Center for Women's History.

Celebrating Bill Cunningham is on view through September 9.