See 23 Hats From Bill Cunningham's Millinery Days

Back in the 1950s before Bill Cunningham started bicycling around the streets of New York shooting street style and society photos, the legendary photographer designed hats under the name William J.  Last week the 23 headpieces that remain from his millinery career went on the auction block and, as WWD reports, one person purchased the whole lot for $20,000.  Reportedly the buyer (whose name has not yet been released) is a friend of Cunningham's and plans to donate them to a New York City museum in his name.  Check out his fanciful designs above.

[Images via 1stdibs.com]