Bill Cunningham (1929-2016) embraced the colors, carefree beauty, and escapism of spring outings and summer parties as both a photographer and an astute fashion documentarian. His camera captured the showstopping hats and dresses worn by society ladies at the annual Central Park Conservancy luncheons, the gorgeous gowns sweeping the dance floors of tented galas in Newport and the Hamptons, and the authentic vintage outfits sported by young attendees at summertime jazz and swing-dance festivals. For decades, Cunningham's two weekly columns for the Times remained at the top of every fashionista's go-to list, presenting not only a comprehensive chronicle of the looks of the day but also an insider's view of the glamorous parties and philanthropic events that are part of the social whirl.
