Besides being one of the most darling elderly men in the world, Bill Cunningham knows his stuff.

For those of you who don’t know, Cunningham works as a photographer for The New York Times. Armed with his camera and bicycle, he paints a picture of the Manhattan street fashion scene, often predicting trends before they even hit the runway. His kind demeanor and ability to find beauty in what some of us may consider to be an absolutely absurd outfit is what makes him so fabulous.

And so well respected.

Where am I going with this?

This weekend I watched a documentary on Cunningham directed by Richard Press called Bill Cunningham New York and I must say my heart swooned a little.

Cunningham’s work represents what I love most about fashion: it’s about making a statement that says “this is me, take it or leave it.” His incredible representation of those who we would normally rather “leave it,” is a beautiful reminder that fashion isn’t all about the Haute Couture, it’s about taking pieces that represent you and creating something completely original.

You are the palette and your clothes are the artwork you create. And each of us has this ability.

Cunninham is quoted as saying “fashion is the armor to survive everyday life” in the film.

And that, readers, is perhaps one of the best things I’ve heard all week.

I hope you all fall in love with this man as much as I did, and take his advice: fashion is, and always has been, what you make it.

Check out Bill Cunningham’s On the Street column here.

And a trailer for Bill Cunningham New York here:

Bill Cunningham New York

P.s. It’s on Netflix instant play