Bill Cunningham You Can Ride but You Can't Hide-NYC's Pride Photog.

Mr. Bill C. you are an incredible force of nature, a kind hearted gentleman, witty & wonderful and you're also an amazing photographer whose passion for fashion captures current styles on the streets.  Last night having you graced us @ the 92ndY.  The 2010 doc. Bill Cunningham New York did catapult you from the mysterious, ubiquitous man biking about town snapping photos in your cobalt blue jacket.  The wizard behind the curtain regaled us with his stories and disarming charm.  Fern Mallis, organizer of NY Fashion Wk. is responsible for getting you, for the 1st time, to a 92Y talk.  It was only after you inadvertantly spilled a drink on her sarong from India.  You beseeched her to make amends.  Redemption was requested by your speaking at the Y, amen!  However, Mallis wavered between abject adoration & bombastic questioning.  (It wasn't about you, Fern.)  She should have deferred to Bill's lead.  Fern reading his astrological profile was a silly waste of time.  Photographs of her "researched" questions would have added excitement.  Time spent listening to Bill talk of his love for what he does, what inspires him, and the multitudes of fascinating people & events (the Versaille Fashion show '73) he's encountered was thrilling.  Bill strained to hear Mallis but his stentorian voice filled the auditorium with stirring observations & emotions.  Tears came to his eyes recalling the plague of the AIDS epidemic.  Bill has never accepted remuneration because "then they own you."  He said, "the fashion world killed itself by paying celebritites to wear their clothes." He also said, "he who seeks beauty will find it."  Bill, you are a beautiful human being and while you put the spotlight on New Yorkers & others you are beloved by millions; especially New Yorkers.  Please, be careful out there.