Omahype: The Omaha Events Calendar

Written by Chad Eacker

ABOVE: Bill Cunningham, camera in-hand.

For the premier of Bill Cunningham New York at Film Streams on Friday, April 22^nd, the fashionably-inclined put their best shoe forward in hopes of winning the “Best Dressed” competition for a gift card to the local boutique, Trocadero.

Why the competition? The photo-collage? All for the film, a documentary that follows an eccentric man that has for decades, been capturing fashion (from the most exclusive New York soirees to the city pavement). Bill Cunningham, donning a simple blue smock and riding his bicycle (one of many – they get stolen), captures what’s hot in fashion long before most professionals even know what’s “the new black.”

What Mr. Cunningham is not, is a snob. While he photographs the rich and famous, he cares little for the celebrities wearing the clothes, but rather the spectacle of fashion itself. He lives a simple life and has managed to keep his work and the glamour of his profession separate. His photo spreads in the New York Times, are a an exhibition of trends and choices, from a penthouse off Central Park to working-class neighborhoods – no one (who’s dressed to kill) will be overlooked by Mr. Cunningham’s lens.

Bill Cunningham New York is a film less about fashion and more about a man that defies all labels; he’s created a life, an obsession of doing what he loves and highlighting the importance of adorning oneself with only the most unique and glamorous threads (at least on occasion). So, for Bill’s sake, go see Bill Cunningham New York at Film Streams and use it as an excuse to dress-up a bit and unleash your inner-couture.

-Chad Eacker