Upcoming Exhibition: Bill Cunningham: Facades

I was thoroughly excited upon hearing that a photo essay shot by Bill Cunningham during the 1960s and 70s is one of the New-York Historical Society's upcoming exhibits this spring. Renowned for his documentation of New York City street style for the past several decades, Cunningham's photo essay focuses on historic New York landmarks as well as period fashion.

Bill Cunningham photographing models at the New York County court house in 1975.
Photo credit: New-York Historical Society
It appears the aim of the exhibit is to "highlight the historical perspective the photographs suggest--not just of the distant past, but of the particular time in which they were created." Personally, I am very curious to observe the "period" clothing modeled; Cunningham himself picked out all the outfits for his models from vintage shops and auction houses in New York.

A model at Grand Central Terminal. Photo credit: Bill Cunningham via New-York Historical Society
As a man well-versed with the contemporary fashion world, it will be truly insightful to see how he interprets fashion history. The ideas represented in these photos will not just be about New York's landmark history, but will speak to the history of New York City and of fashion as Mr. Cunningham himself sees it, bringing along with this contemporary issues of the early 1970s. I'm sure, as well, his photos will open new discussion relevant to current landmarks, and, it is my hope, it draws a greater interest to fashion's distinguished past--globally and locally.

Bill Cunningham: Facades runs from March 14-June15, 2014 at the New-York Historical Society.

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