The Legend You Thought You Knew: A Secret History of Style, Self, and Bill Cunningham

Hey, style mavens! You know the icon: the man in the blue jacket on his bicycle, the legendary street style photographer who captured New York’s fashion soul. But what if we told you there was so much more to Bill Cunningham’s story? We’re diving into an epic new book that reveals the untold, secret history of a true New York City legend.

Before he was the city’s most beloved documentarian, Bill was on a very different kind of journey. Growing up in a world of shame and secrecy in a Boston suburb, he secretly dreamed of a life of glamour and style. His passion for fashion was a source of conflict for his family, but Bill fought tooth-and-nail, dropping out of Harvard to pursue his true love in the city that never sleeps.

New York was Bill’s ultimate university. He spent his nights at opera openings and extravagant balls, not to be seen, but to study. He meticulously observed how gowns moved, how jewels hung, and how every detail came together. This was his personal education, forging the democratic and exuberant taste that would later define his iconic eye for The New York Times.

But before the camera, there was design. With the mentorship of two style mavens, Bill’s creativity thrived, leading him to become one of the most celebrated and outlandish hat designers of his era. Working under the alias “William J.” to protect his family’s honor, he created masterpieces for movie stars, heiresses, and artists. His mission? To bring happiness to the world by making women an inspiration to themselves and everyone who saw them. He was so dedicated, he would literally “feed” himself by strolling past Fifth Avenue store windows when he was broke and hungry.

This book, a memoir called “Fashion Climbing,” is the story of a young man fighting to be the person he was born to be: a true original. It was written in Bill’s own infectious, joyful voice, neatly typewritten and safely stored away for years, waiting to be discovered. He held off on sharing it until his passing, making this a final, beautiful gift to the world.

Between these covers, you’ll find an education in style, a glimpse into a bohemian world that once was, and a chance to get to know one of New York’s greatest and most guarded characters. Get ready to be inspired!