Don’t we all miss the wonderful Bill Cunningham photos that appeared in The New York Times…I say, yes, yes we do! Not only was he there but on his trusty bicycle, he was everywhere! Over the years he chronicled the Who’s Who of fashion and society like no one else. A new book takes us inside these photos. And lucky us we can join the Costume Council when they welcome co-author Steven Stolman at a very special program on Wednesday, March 16th.

I just did a post to introduce you to Steven Stolman, please check it out. The co-author, John Kurdewan, Bill’s right hand man and a person who knew him best, was at his side when laying out those pages that drew us to the Style section of the New York Times each Sunday. One of the things I like about the book…..well several things…are the quotes from Bill, never one to mince words or thoughts….brilliant! In addition there are essays by Stolman and Kurdewan and the brilliant forward by the extraordinary artist Ruben Toledo.

Do we need yet another book on the uber talented Bill Cunningham, seeing this book…the answer, is again, a resounding yes, yes, we do! Full color photos, I really didn’t realize he did so much in color and I followed him like I was in a cult! He chronicled not only the social functions but street fashion and current and upcoming trends without regard to where it was coming from. Of course, he covered all the fashion weeks as well as Haute Couture. His was a totally original eye! The book is divided into categories each begins with a quote from Bill. He indeed had a eye like no one else and when he saw a color, a silhouette, a pattern more than once he would see what else was out there with those themes….brilliant. He saw tends before they became trends. He seemed to be everywhere in New York on his bicycle and in his blue Frenchman’s work top. I had the wonderful experience of working with him for Fashion Group events when he was designing millinery as well as spending time, off camera, visiting New York’s museums and landmarks and enjoy his running commentary on everything that interested him…..good times!

A quote from Bill in the book…”I let the street talk to me. I try to find what’s honestly there….I just enjoy life and enjoy what I do”. Bill Cunningham, July 19, 2015

The invitation…details of this special Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum event…book now…it’s an event you won’t wait to miss!

Please note date change:

March 16, 2022
Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago
626 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

VIP and general receptions 5:30 p.m.
Program 6:30 p.m.
Wine & hors d’oeuvre will be served

Join the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum for a presentation on the book Bill Cunningham Was There by its authors. The five-star book follows the famed New York Times photographer who chronicled society and fashion with his images of the vibrant events of spring and summer. Guests will enjoy a presentation by the one of the book’s coauthors: Steven Stolman, design and entertaining icon.

Sponsors and Costume Council Patron members are invited to attend a VIP meet-and-greet book signing with the authors preceding the event.

Reservations are limited, so don’t hesitate to purchase your ticket!

Due to Covid, this event has been postponed to Wednesday, March 16.Purchase Tickets

Co-Chairs: Gabriela Cleveland & Pauline Kurtides Sheehan

Proper attire required; athletic apparel and denim are not permitted.

Event attendees are welcome to purchase additional signed books for $40 apiece. If you wish to do so, please contact Nell McKeown at mckeown@chicagohistory.org or 703-403-1482.

Questions? Contact Nell McKeown, Development Events Manager, at mckeown@chicagohistory.org.

The Chicago History Museum and Woman’s Athletic Club of Chicago are following all state and local Covid-19 guidelines. Masks will be required when not eating or drinking. Learn more about the Museum’s safety policies and procedures.

Photos courtesy of Steven Stolman.