Bill Cunningham's FACADES-Captures Fashion, Archictecture & History with Flair

Bill Cunningham is known as the authority of style and society.  Check the Sunday NYT's Fashion & Style section for Society Events & Street Fashion all captured by Cunningham, the ubiquitous but elusive rogue biker, photographer extraordinaire.  Cunningham (b. 1929) is known for spotting fashion trends on runways & on the streets of NYC. The Historical Society has mounted an exhibit of Cunningham's Facade Photos, an 8 yr. project begun in '68.  It celebrates the incredible historic structures of our city (1770's-1950's,) featuring models dressed in period costume.  Bill scourged through thrift shops & fairs to find clothing, hats & accessories.   His foremost model & muse in the 100+ black/white photos is Editta Sherman.  Editta dubbed by Bill as the Duchess of Carnegie was known for photographing celebrities & her unconventionality.  Bill & Editta lived in the Carnegie Hall aptmts. for decades becoming close friends & associates.  Her embolden poses are in striking contradiction to the de rigueur decorous manner of the day.   Editta poses with aplomb in front of ornate structures.  Bill's keen eye framed her within archways, doors, gates & steps where she melds into & accentuates the architecture.  Diagonal lines & upwards angles propel the photos with energy.  Note an etherial shot of a women in a balletic stance and Editta swirling her dress in lively animation.  Bill is an exceptionally talented photographer & zeitgeist.  "Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life.  I don't think you could do away with it.  It would be like doing away with civilization."  (Cunningham)