New York City has lost a talented fashionista, Upper West Sider Timothy John.
He died before his birthday in June. Timothy John (known as Timmers to some of his friends) could often be seen in his unique outfits as he made his way through the Upper West Side and other parts of the city.
Advertisement
John was born and raised in Washington D.C. and lived in Maryland and Virginia before moving to NYC, according to a profile by Style Like U.
“[Style has] been important in my life since my early childhood. Not only would I dress myself, but I would dress everything. I would dress my toys even jacks that you would spin. I would make paper dresses that would form patterns when I spun them, so I was always dressing something. Even the family dogs,” he told the publication.
Timothy was appreciated by the late photographer Bill Cunningham, who featured him in some of his New York Times videos including one produced in April 2016 about the use of pleats in fashion. In that video, Cunningham points out, “….the poet designer Timothy John wears multiple layers of multiple robes passing on Fifth Avenue at 9:00 in the morning…”.
Timothy John’s family and friends declined to speak about him or about his death.
We used to greet him every year at the Antique Pier show – he would come and scour my parents’ art deco booth for colorful Bakelite bangles and vintage necklaces and then I’d see them on him regularly when we greeted each other in Riverside Park. He was one of the best dressed around — a unique neighborhood “gem” who will be missed.
Wow. He was such a fixture on the UWS. Having lived here for over 50 years, I saw him regularly, and always admired his fearlessness, self-confidence, and sense of style. He will be missed. RIP.
Although not a friend, I always took joy in running into him on Sundays at the Columbus Ave. flea market. He was always so gracious to me when I complimented him on his many incredible outfits. R.I.P. your special flare, style and charm will be missed..
Isn’t it ironic? I would have enjoyed meeting him or just shopping side by side. Unfortunately, I only just went to the Columbus Avenue flea market for the first time this past Sunday:(
An Original. Saw him whizzing by on many days with flare and determination. RIP
It greatly saddened and surprised me to hear of Timothy John’s death several weeks ago. I got to know him when I began to work with Augusta Auctions at the NY shows as he was always kind, sweet and knowledgeable about so many of his passions, not just fashion. His own exotica was runway worthy and exhibited as an everyday part of who he was. I’ll miss our conversations there and running into him on Broadway, as he was one of the true bohemians left on the UWS; an original thinker, designer and true Renaissance man.Aside from feeding his soul as a collector and designer, he gave of himself. He did volunteer work at an AIDS Center doing massage, healing and acupressure which I always found very loving and caring. I pray he, Karen Augusta, Cindi St. Claire, Bobby from Boston, and others from the world of vintage beauty and appreciation have found peace knowing the pleasure they gave so many. Dear Timothy, RIP, you very special man.