As I'm always browsing for new fashion books, I was pleased to come across Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon Musings of a Geriatric Starlet. The nonagenarian was the subject of the late Albert Maysles' Emmy nominated documentary Iris where we viewed her life and work. But, even after a full length film, I knew a spirit like Apfel would have more to give and I was certainly eager to learn.
We all know that she has been recognized for her uniqueness, having been the topic of dedicated museum exhibitions and a representative of major fashion and beauty brands, but it was endearing to read more shopping stories from her childhood and tales from her interior design days. Accidental Icon includes art work, marital advice, her love for embroidered fabrics, and the importance of accessories. Capturing and curating these types of fashionable stories is one of the reasons I created this blog. It is my most sincere wish that my daughter will one day pour over my pictures, my stories and memories with love. That she will know that ultimately, this is all for her.
I could not write about this book and not mention the relationship she shared with her husband Carl as Apfel was generous with intimate details of their marriage and the lifetime they spent together. Having been married for nearly 70 years, he was the supporting cast member in her love story.
Iris Apfel states several times that becoming an icon, a muse was something that she never expected. That she simply chose to live a life of passion and have courage in her convictions. She forced fear aside and dared to be interesting. At 96, Iris Apfel implores us to keep learning, to keep thinking, and to keep pushing. Perhaps if we all choose to live this way, we can all become icons and muses in our own right.
SPECIAL THANKS TO HARPER DESIGN.