“The best fashion show is definitely on the street. Always has been. Always will be.”
—Bill Cunningham

We’ve got heaps to be excited about here at Studio Masha D’yans, but we’re simply bursting at the seams over Masha’s latest passion project: Polka Dot Parade: A Book About Bill Cunningham, which will be released 8/28/18!
photo: Lika Brutyan

This picture book, highlighting the life and work of legendary New York Times street fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham, will encourage kids of all ages to search for inspiration and decide for themselves what is truly beautiful. For more history and insight into Bill and his joyful use of photography, check out his autobiographical NYT article or spend an evening watching the lovely documentary, Bill Cunningham New York. And if you’re in NYC between June and September, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the New-York Historical Society’s exhibit celebrating Cunningham’s career.

Finding artistry in daily rituals, whimsy in what others deem ordinary, and a relentless passion in your creative work… that kind of thinking is our bread and butter. This makes it no surprise that the incredible career and work of Bill Cunningham strikes such a chord!

Illustrating Polka Dot Parade was a treat for Masha, allowing her to fall back into the New York City rhythm she knows so well, and letting her love of fashion and gorgeous detail run wild and free.

Even legendary children’s author, Eric Carle, sings praise for this rolicking celebration of Bill Cunningham:

Masha’s vivid watercolor work brings Bill’s photos to life. A stunning marriage of two forms of art. The eyes are on a holiday. Well done!
—Eric Carle

And here’s even more love Polka Dot Parade is already getting:

Polka Dot Parade is a charming reminder of all the color and joy that Bill Cunningham brought to the Fashion World every day. The industry is not the same without him. Thank you, Masha D’yans and Deborah Blumenthal for creating this lovely celebration of Bill’s mark on the world.
—Christy Turlington

…fabulously vivid illustrations by Masha D’yans (savor the spot-on illos of fashion luminaries Anna Wintour, Andre Leon Talley, Iris Apfel, Lynn Yaeger and Grace Coddington).
—Chicago Tribune

Beautifully rendered and told, the book brings to life the work of a gifted 20th-century artist whose creative vision will always be in vogue.
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

With dynamic processions of swooshing colors, patterns, and fabrics, D’yans vividly conveys how Cunningham viewed New York City fashion through his eyes and lens. One figure wears a trailing cloak that features an inky landscape; elsewhere, moths and dragonflies emerge from a woman’s gown. Cunningham is portrayed as an impassioned observer who captured the beauty of his subjects in unguarded moments on the street, or from the handlebars of his beloved bicycle.
—Publishers Weekly

Bill Cunningham was a New York treasure and the most beloved photographer and quirky personality in the fashion business. I am so glad Deborah and Masha created this whimsical storybook, exposing our Bill to whole new audience. I miss you, Bill.
—Fern Mallis, Creator of New York Fashion Week

Your work is too wonderful and it would have made our darling Bill very happy to see it. The two of you together are a class act.
—Valerie von Sobel

Masha does splashswishsmudgesquiggles so deftly. Her fresh scented girl brains revive the spirit and invigorate the squeals. Excellent work.
—Mia Vesper

We hope you’ll preorder Polka Dot Parade (Amazon, Local Booksellers, Barnes & Noble) and learn a little bit about our beloved Bill in the process!

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