Reaction Roundup: what Toronto’s fashion community is saying about New York treasure Bill Cunningham

Coming to Toronto theatres this Friday is Bill Cunningham New York, a documentary following the life of a New York Times style photographer and On the Street personality. Bill Cunningham is a real ascetic, denying offers of cold hard cash in order to maintain his legacy as a true observer, while sleeping next to stacks of filing cabinets to keep up with his very hands-on approach (which, let’s face it, most of us wouldn’t do). The fashion world isn’t often exposed to someone with such sizable passion, but the film’s director, Richard Press, has created a window into a life that may no longer seem probable (see: me generation). Here’s what Toronto’s fashion set had to say about the film after events held in Cunningham’s honour this week. Spoiler: it’s a total love-in.

Bernadette Morra of Fashion magazine: “I have even more respect for Bill Cunningham now that I have seen @BCNYthemovie.”

Lisa Tant of Flare magazine: “Love that Bill Cunningham, now 81 & former milliner, isn’t motivated by fame or money, just exquisite women (not celebs) in gorgeous clothes.”

Nathalie Atkinson of the National Post’s post-screener acknowledgment: “Sooner or later (often, sooner) everyone sells out. Everyone except photojournalist Bill Cunningham.”

Sarah Nicole Prickett, freelance writer: “If you have even one tenth of a heart, you will love @BCNYthemovie, about Bill Cunningham the man.”

Mosha Lundström Halbert of Flare magazine: “One cannot call themselves truly passionate about their work until viewing Bill Cunningham NY.”