The Rare Bird - An Iris

"You're not pretty, you'll never be pretty, but you have something much better...you have style." - Mrs. Loehmann to Iris Apfel. 

Debatably one of the most stylish women on the circuit today, Iris Apfel joins the ranks of Julia Child and Grandma Moses both of whom just kept getting better (and more popular) with age. She is a 93 year old style maven with a documentary, IRIS, that will be in select theaters April 29. The icon, with 75 years of influence of fashion and interiors, is a true artist. As quoted by the production company, "the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even at Iris' age, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire." She radiates an incomparable energy and, even just watching the trailer, you can truly feel a pulse of her excitement about living. "IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life's sustenance and reminds us that dressing - and indeed life - is nothing but an experiment."

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Iris Apfel at the Zoo

I have always adored and admired Iris Apfel. She appears to have an amazing spirit, seeming to celebrate life in such a wondrous manner. AND talk about a wardrobe! When I came across this short video of Iris being interviewed, I was incredibly impressed. I would LOVE for all of you to take a couple of minutes and watch it. She's just incredible. 

If you'd like to learn more about Iris, check out my past blog post HERE.

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Iris Apfel x Duro Olowu on Nowness.com

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Iris Apfel

"I think dressing up or down should be a creative experience. Exciting. Fun. For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving-hopefully-a kind of throwaway chic."

Iris Apfel, a long time patron of the creative arts has gained much notoriety in recent years. Even while searching for information and images on the white-haired whimsical beauty, articles and images are all less than a decade old. It is nearly impossible to even find a photo of her in her younger years. Despite Apfel's recent popularity spike, she has been heavily involved throughout her life as a force of design, fashion, and the arts. Apfel took a $15/week job at Woman's Wear Daily decades ago when she entered the working world. Before long, she saw that her talent was in interior decorating and she embarked upon a successful career as designer and decorator. Apfel was hired by no less than nine United Sates Presidents to do design and restoration projects at the White House. So, why the hype now? At 90 years old Apfel has released a coffee table book, teaches a variety of courses, and has been the feature in many popular exhibits ranging from the MET to West Palm Beach's Norton Museum of Art. And, we can't forget her appearance. With her outfits like a work of art themselves and never without the signature glasses, Apfel is a source of inspiration for all artists alike! 

Read more:

 New York Times

Architectural Digest