Some of us "back row spectators" prefer the term "seating challenged," okay?

I know this is a couple of weeks old, but Bill Cunningham agrees with my fashion week prediction that Chanel is when people trot out their best outfits!  He also made a fun commnetary on how many people photograph the shows these days (people like, umm, myself), likening the camera zoom to binoculars.  Love it. 

Paris is enjoying a new belle epoque. The fashion shows have replaced the races as the fashionable promenade. Two weeks ago, 3,000 stylish guests gathered in the Grand Palais for the Chanel show. Spectators in the back rows had to use digital cameras to zoom in on the models, as the 1912 ladies, below, used binoculars at Longchamp.

Let’s be meta, shall we ?  Here’s a pic I took of Bill Cunningham in action, just after Chanel, while he was shooting some of the looks in the New York Times story.

What I love most about watching Bill work, is that while his carriage shows all of his 80 plus years, his face constantly has an expression of gleeful tranquility, like he’s having a ball.  No old man grimaces, not even when he fumbled with his camera settings. Everyone around me commented on how happy he looked. 

Comments

[delphine]

What is it about men in their 80's? I have met two lately who have knocked my socks off with their super sonic energy and lucidity. Makes me want to kick the next 30 year old who says they are tired! heheh.
delphine

[Stu "El Inglés" Harris]

I want a hat just like the lamp-post leaner has on!

[Elizabeth]

WHAT a great shot! And oh George Orwell is rolling in his grave-- seat challenged, indeed.

[Cindy]

My parents are both in their 70s and I swear they are more the go-getters now than they were when we were kids! Age doesn't seem to be stopping them much.

[King negrito]

Hi ! just check out Opium Europe site, or mine. We need good writers as you to publish / translate them ...

[J]

And what did YOU wear to the show, Coquette? :)

[krikri]

I second J's question!

[Coquette]

You can me at Chanel here: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=363304&id=718772537

Or at the end of my Chicago mag post:
http://www.chicagomag.com/Radar/Paris-Fashion-Week-Blog/October-2007/It-Aint-Over-Till-the-Rock-Brand-Sings/

[Jessica]

I just love Ed. Every time I see him, it makes me happy.

[Jessica]

Um, I love him so much I just renamed him. BILL.

[WendyB]

I love watching him at work too. Good post.

[J]

Hey! Checked out ur facebook photos. Love the mini-skirt outfit!

[The Bold Soul]

Great to finally meet you in person at Bar night! Hope we run into each other again soon. Meantime keep sharing about all the lovely Paris fashions.

[paris breakfasts]

Bill Cunningham is the absolute best! And there's only one of him. He once shot me in my Beard House days-I was wearing a painted chefs jacket AND he let me shoot him! Since shooting was mainly what I did at the Beard House - what a treat.
I have spotted him in NYC quite a few times...