‘Bill asks for a picture… pose b***h!’ RIP to a photographic legend

Jun 27, 2016

Tributes have been pouring in from models, designers and celebrities alike, who are all mourning the loss of a fashion industry legend.

The world famous fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, passed away on Saturday aged 87 in New York, following a stroke.

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

A photo posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Jun 26, 2016 at 6:35am PDT

On the street, at those fancy occasions and part of our city an essential piece will be noticeably changed. You and your great big gorgeous smile will be terribly missed Mr. Cunningham. It was a gift to know you and witnessing you work a sublime memory. RIP

A photo posted by SJP (@sarahjessicaparker) on Jun 25, 2016 at 5:14pm PDT

Dear Bill Cunningham got to know you since #1986 , you always had the biggest smile that would light up a city, always called me kid when I was way beyond one . And So elegant you always was . So sad to lose you such a great man with a beautiful soul . Going to the Metball and any other big fashion red carpets will not be the same without you . I love you always , condolences to your family

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.

A photo posted by Victoria Justice (@victoriajustice) on Jun 26, 2016 at 10:38am PDT

Cunningham is famous for saying ‘he who seeks beauty will find it’ and this could not be more true to fact when looking at his work. He had an eye for the magnificent, and a flair for the fabulous. We have Bill Cunningham for the idyllic street style that New York is famous for.