Facades

by Bill Cunningham (Photographer)

In 1968 Bill Cunningham, in tandem with Editta Sherman, a New York portrait photographer also known as the "Duchess of Carnegie Hall", began his unique work photographing 200 years of fashion and architectural design in over 1800 manhattan locations. His collection of 500 outfits was gathered from thrift shops, street fairs and auctions. This is a collection of over 100 of those photographs.

Genres: Photography

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 1978

About the author

Bill Cunningham, the iconic New York Times photographer, was the creative force behind the columns On the Street and Evening Hours. Cunningham dropped out of Harvard and moved to New York City at 19, eventually starting his own hat design business under the name "William J." His designs were featured in Vogue, The New Yorker, Harper's Bazaar, and Jet. While covering fashion for publications including Women's Wear Daily and The Chicago Tribune, he took up photography, which led to him becoming a regular contributor to the New York Time in the late 1970s. Cunningham was the subject of the documentary "Bill Cunningham, New York." His contributions to New York City were recognized in 2009 when he was designated a "living landmark."

Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Ivy]

I found this book in the Brooklyn Public Library morgue, and I must get my own copy! Lots of shots of an Edith Massey-style lady posing in period fashions throughout New York City. It's like someone published a book documenting the dream I had after drinking too much egg nog.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kinda interesting. The concept is sorta fun - modern women dressed in period garb in front of buildings of the same period as the garments worn. However it is not as exciting or stimulating as the author's present work for the New York Times. A photo book by Mr. Cunningham of one of the annual Coaching Days events in Newport RI would be more interesting. He has a great eye as his work for the NYT proves; "Facades" just doesn't show off enough.

[Foxtower · Rating 4 out of 5]

I aquired the book for the architecture, but appreciate it for it's humor!