Penguin Press, New York, 2018
Copyright by The Bill Cunningham Foundation LLC
237 pages
ISNB: 9780525558705 (Hardcopy); 9780525558712 (ebook)
Price: $36.00 (Cdn)
Bill Cunningham, the famed New York Times cultural anthropologist, is revealed in a fascinating memoir discovered after his passing.
Bill Cunningham is known to most and portrayed in the 2010 documentary Bill Cunningham New York as the bicycle riding photographer who captured the artistic, political and social commentary presented by New Yorkers through their fashions. Fashion Climbing is a undated memoir that highlights his young life, influences, love for life and fashion, establishing that serendipity is alive and well.
"Constant change is the breath of fashion."
~Bill Cunningham~
Fashion Climbing starts out as a memoir of Bill's life as William J., milliner designing under an assumed name as to not embarrass his family who disapproved of his enthusiasm for fashion. It is a epic quest of discovering and appreciating the pure and sheer enjoyment of fashion while being true to oneself.
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| Cabbage Rose by William J. {source} |
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| Chinchilla Pillbox by William J. {source} |
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| Fanciful Feather Hat by William J. {source} |
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| Floral Cocktail Hat by William J. {source} |
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| Silk Chiffon Leaf Hat by William J. {source} |
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| Star Shaped Cocktail Hat by William J. {source} |
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| Taupe Wool Felt Hat by William J. {source} |
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| The Best Feather Hat by William J. {source} |
My only disappointment with this memoir is that the photographs of William J's creations found within its pages are all black and white photographs. I longed for colourful images as Cunningham's writing style is not as fanciful of his millinery creations and written descriptions of materials used were lacking the visual beauty that inspired Bill in his creative process. Thankfully, there are colourful examples of his work that remain from his millinery career.
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