Iris Apfel was “discovered” as an international style icon when she was in her 80s. The Metropolitan Museum showcased her staggering and explosive collection at their Costume Institute. Everything was from her closet: The shoes! The coats! Those enormous necklaces! I swear I couldn’t breathe.
Currently, the Parisian department store Le Bon Marche Rive Gauche has created an “Iris in Paris” exhibition with a pop-up shop. You can buy Iris coffee mugs. Or a postcard. Did I mention she’s 94?
Rather than rely on a perfect nose or flawless skin, Apfel turned herself into a walking creation of strength, vision, and humor. Her eccentric taste is endearing and enduring. She is indifferent to what someone might consider her “flaws.” Apfel is completely connected to herself.
How radical and powerful: Connecting to yourself. I’m loving it, Iris.
‘
Connected to herself…….yes!
And such a beautiful reminder to stay ‘connected to myself’… a perfect womantra.
Thank you Ellen
Dear Susan: Yes. We must get connected to ourselves lest we forget how special we are. And to ignore and be indifferent to fitting in and not rocking the boat. I adore Iris’s courage. And I’m loving the womantra word. Brilliant! I hope this finds you enjoying the first two days of spring. Adoringly, E.
I have admired Iris for years. Love everything about her. After meeting you, I have to honestly say I saw similarities between you & Iris. And now here you are writing about her. Gotta love it. And love you, too!
Dear Donna: Thank you thank you! When the exhibit opened a few good friends insisted I go. I think the concept of “no great beauty” but beautiful in an original and individual way of presentation is what makes Iris such an inspiration. And at 94! What a glorious way to live. Always divine to hear from you. 4-ever, E.
I was wondering when you were going to write about her – I’ve know about her for a year now and all I can think is – this is you!!!
Dear Maria: Next time you think of a blog idea, send it along! I hope I can keep wearing knee socks with a skirt till I’m 94! Missing you, girlfriend. Love, E.
Hi Ellen
I was interested to see the photo you used (above) for the post on Iris. This photo was part of an advertising campaign for a company called Blue Illusion (http://www.blueillusion.com) which, as far as I know, is basically an Australian and New Zealand brand. It is a very conservative, mid-priced brand with French pretensions 😉 The picture of Iris appeared in their recent promo for the southern hemisphere winter and I remember that when I saw it I was rather shocked. I just can’t imagine Iris wearing anything as boring and conservative as a navy gabardine trench coat. Which is why, of course, she has personalised it with her trademark BIG statement accessories. The other garments in the collection were equally boring.
Iris must have been paid very well for the ad campaign and I sort of wondered if she did it because no one in the US would see it! Anyway. That is all by the by. The point is that, whilst Iris has never been a beauty, she has had a longstanding strong personal style, oblivious to fashion whims. Thus the irony of the story is that Blue Illusion runs on the business model of a complete new collection of high fashion items every season – the very thing, I imagine, which Iris abhors.
Thanks for alerting me to the Met exhibition. I have surfed the website.
Greetings, as ever from Canberra, Australia.
Judith
Dear Judith:
Loved your response. I did not know the photo was from an advertising campaign but I chose it for a number of reasons. Many of the photos on the internet came from the exhibition at the Met and were so far-out they were completely inaccessible. Not everyone can pull off wearing a birdcage as a pocketbook. This photo represented quiet elegance with punch. Because I love accessories (necklaces, scarves, bracelets), my everyday look tends to be classic with a twist. I can wear a white blouse and black or gray pants everyday of the week and let my collectibles take center stage. And yes I agree — Iris would never opt for a trend and would always go her own way but perhaps Blue Illusion was hanging on the coattails of a woman wearing a squirrel coat!
The fascination with Iris Apfel is remarkable considering she was not the superstar she is today. It’s her curiosity and brio that inspires many of us. And her humongous necklaces! I have a few and end up going to the physical therapist after wearing them.
Sending fondest regards, E.
I recently saw a documentry called Iris and of course I thoughtof you { and myself}We also march to our own drummer.My house is filled with Chatchkes which people call clutter. Irises identity is clutternbut what a woman.The world needs more peolple like her`Maybe she should run for President. love you