Long before I picked up a camera, Bill Cunningham was out in the streets capturing some of the first ever street style for the New York Times, in which he worked for nearly 40 years. If you are into fashion now, you most likely appreciate street style photography from fashion weeks around the globe. Well at least I do, considering I shoot the street style for Fashion Moves Forward. I started shooting street style last September during my first ever trip to NYFW. A big reason why street style photographers are employed by big time magazines, is largely due to Bill Cunningham. He pioneered the role and idea of taking street style, which I believe to be one of the most important things about fashion. It portrays what is worn in real life on the streets. It shows personal style that is curated by a certain individual. Bill saw the art in that, and embraced it in the best way possible. Bill has influenced me and many others along his lifetime and career. Today we lost Bill Cunningham, he was 87 years old.

Tommy Ton (Street Style photographer) shared the last picture he took of Bill in this heartfelt Instagram post (below).

Rest in Peace Bill. We thank you for paving the way for us and many others. This next fashion week will be for you.