Courtesy of Bruce Weber
Who said fashion bravado is only for the young? Just ask style icon Iris Apfel, who at 90 is still rocking, displaying an innate yet irreverent elegance that nonchalantly melds ethnic flourishes, a Bohemian vibe and haute couture confections - all topped by her signature, round-rimmed glasses and bright red lipstick.
But there’s more to Apfel’s look: this petite, birdlike muse, who served as the interior designer at the White House for nine presidents, also has an ingrained passion for exaggerated jewelry, the bolder, the better. Apfel’s style and expertise is now arriving on yoox.com with her exclusive jewellery collections.
“As a child I watched every day as my very chic ‘maman’ worshipped at the altar of the Accessory. Like a shaman stylist, she worked her magic, transforming her workaday black dress into a smashing cocktail outfit. Her talismans were shoes and scarves, bags and belts, but most important was her costume jewelry collection… her bits and baubles, bangles and beads. Slowly I began to appreciate their powers of transformation, their ability to evoke a mood and express an individual personality, to make a statement about the wearer.”
Iris Apfel
To celebrate her genius and fantasy, a small throng of fans encompassing designers, photographers, filmmakers, editors and bloggers got together for a special tribute – AN IRIS LOVEFEST – with dedicated images, videos and messages. Among the distinguished admirers on the roster: Bruce Weber, Duro Olowu, Bill Cunningham, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty, Ari Cohen, Kim Hastreiter, Linda Fargo, Harold Koda, James Gager, Rory Gevis, Albert Maysles and Bradley Kaplan.
As an interior designer, she contributed her connoisseurship and vision to the interiors of the White House under nine presidents, from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton. With her husband Carl, Iris founded Old World Weavers to perpetuate the endangered traditions and techniques of sophisticated textile artisans.
Iris shuns trends, yet she’s a fashion system darling.
According to press reports, Ralph Lauren tried to tap her after visiting “Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel”, an exhibition of her spectacular wardrobe at the New York’s Metropolitan Museum. Dries van Noten chose her as the must-have guest for a party hosted by Bergdorf Goodman. In June, the Council of Fashion Designers of America asked Iris to present the Accessory Designer of the Year Award to the 27-year-old Alexander Wang, another admirer. And Albert Maysles, the award-winning documentary filmmaker, has selected Iris as his next subject.
Q&A IRIS APFEL
1. How would you describe yourself and your style to somebody who doesn’t know you at all?
That’s a difficult question for me to answer… to describe Iris Apfel and her style is much better left to others.
2. What do you love about the Orient, Asia and Africa that is strongly part of your style?
The Far East has fascinated me since childhood when I became enamored with its history, its color, its style. To me, it represented fantasy, eroticism and glamorous mystery. Since early on I’ve been hooked! Much of the fantasy became reality as I matured. Travel only heightened my sensibility. The sights and smells and sounds were tremendous. I see creativity everywhere. Designs from the primitive to the most sophisticated, the bazaars crammed with textiles, clothing and adornments are all spice to my eyes.
3. What do you think about the internet? Do you shop online? What is your relationship with technology?
Having long passed my 19th birthday, I’m hardly a child of the Internet. It’s a marvel that fascinates and repels me at the same time. To find an immediate answer to anything with the click of a button is astounding but its manners and code of morality do remind me of the lawless “Old West”…
‘Times they are a changing’ – Since I have been fortunate enough to be included in yoox.com’s stellar roster of designers I am diligently learning to shop online. And knowing myself as well as I do, I anticipate great fun and possible bankruptcy.
4. What is yoox.com in your eyes?
yoox.com in my eyes is a pioneer and purveyor of the world’s finest luxury goods, one of a kind and limited editions, cultural material. It’s wonderful to have beautifully selected merchandise from the planet’s top designers available for sale in your living room. They are up-to-the-minute advanced and out of the box. I commend them highly for their outstanding efforts in the green movement.
5. Can you tell us about the jewelry collection exclusively available on yoox.com?
The jewelry collection is divided into three parts. Section one is composed of original designs manufactured in the Philippines. A very special look – it’s organic; it’s graphic. It’s made of natural materials and it’s highly sophisticated design. Bold. Beautiful!
Section Two is what I call “Couture” It’s very high bling, very off beat, head-turning and super glamorous. Very limited editions, many of the pieces are made with vintage or one-of-a-kind elements.
The third part is a selection of my pieces I have collected and worn over these many years. Very valued: sporty to black tie. It’s unusual, eclectic and hardly standard equipment.
6. What is the best tip you can give to the ones who love to buy jewelry?
Jewelry has great power for transformation. It can take a work day basic black dress to a fabulous cocktail party. It can embolden or demur, make you feel gothic or grungy or glamorous. Your look can be changed instantly with a necklace or an armful of bracelets. Try something different. Experiment!
