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hooliaquoolia's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun listen. Some (or maybe even most) of the tales come off incredibly far-fetched, but I don't mind a little exaggeration when the author is light-hearted, cheerful, and knows what he's talking about. It was a very interesting look at the post-war fashion world, and the author describes so many adventures and fun little anecdotes about New York and Paris in the 1950s and 60s that it's worth a listen even if you take the whole thing as a work of fiction. I must confess, I'm a complete fashion dilettante, and I hadn't even heard of Bill Cunningham before I picked up this book (yeah, I'm that much of an amateur), but this was a lovely read and I'm definitely going to read more about the world of fashion now.
lola425's review against another edition
4.0
This book is due out in September and what a delight. The street fashion photographer Bill Cunningham started out as a milliner and he tells the story of his early years. (Hilton Als nails the preface, too). If you love fashion, mid century style, or a story about someone who lived his passion every day, you'll want to check this one out. While you're at it, go back and scroll through his NYT archives. I miss him.
heregoesnothing's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
loloreid's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
For those who know Bill Cunningham as a street fashion photographer, this depiction of his early life and career provides huge insight into what led him to his interest in street fashion and photography and his passion for valuing personal style and creativity seen in the everyday. Cunningham writes of his extraordinary experience as a budding hat maker, time in Germany and France in the military, bold daring days in New York City establishing his business and the luck, ingenuity and confidence that contributed to his success and built connections in the fashion and social world. Fashion journalism comes after the shift away from hat wearing prevents a viable millinery business, and his insider knowledge informs his commitment to honest criticism and coverage of the scene, avoiding the posturing and false praise he had witnessed on the other side of the industry. His memories in this book include thoughts on the personalities and egos of high society, seeing the power of dollars over quality of style, and shows the positive, fun-loving, and curious personality that he kept throughout his life and career. The book also includes some wonderful photos that bring some of the stories even more to life.
3thingsaboutthisbook's review against another edition
3.0
📕Bill Cunningham gives you hope that if you want something very much, one way or another you will get it. Maybe his overall climb is similar to many that had been there, but when you think about the timing, he struggled a little bit more with the perceptions
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📗Out of every crazy anecdote he told, there is one keep jumping at me: Korean War. He was enlisted. He started learning French thinking that he might go there. But there were only two options: Korea or Germany. He kept studying and ended up in German group. Guess what happened? Few people had to go to France and he was one of them. He had the willpower of Robinson Crusoe on that island
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📘It’s good read to understand New York of those days, how fashion changed from one day to another and what is considered in/out. If you enjoy memoirs, go for it
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📗Out of every crazy anecdote he told, there is one keep jumping at me: Korean War. He was enlisted. He started learning French thinking that he might go there. But there were only two options: Korea or Germany. He kept studying and ended up in German group. Guess what happened? Few people had to go to France and he was one of them. He had the willpower of Robinson Crusoe on that island
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📘It’s good read to understand New York of those days, how fashion changed from one day to another and what is considered in/out. If you enjoy memoirs, go for it