Iris
Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures
The once glorious and beloved Maysles brothers made some of the best documentaries of all time, including "Grey Gardens" and "Gimme Shelter." The Maysles (pronounced like hazels) have a legacy that has remained consistent in the past twenty years, even with the death of David in 1987. Albert Maysles passed just this past March, and his last film is a testament to the Maysles constant of capturing crazy interesting figures in their prime.
Fashion icon Iris Apfel is an interesting figure in a world that already has its share of oddities. Famous for fusing together the world of high fashion and the bargain bin, throughout the film you watch as she moves about in the world of high class, high fashion magnates, as well in the very streets where she often buys her bracelets and bangles. As a fashion icon she is unique, in that she doesn't design or have a brand in the world of fashion. Instead it is her joie de vivre and penchant for putting together a stellar outfit that has gained her widespread fame within the New York elite. Most of her outfits have heavy patterning, brocade, tons of accessories, and the loudest colors on the planet. She really does create art with the vivid, outrageous clothing she chooses to don, all chic, all amazing.
Iris Apfel seems to have an opinion on every subject under the sun. The woman cares about craftsmanship in the clothing industry, Christmas, knowing your worth via a good personality, travel, her husband of sixty some years, Carl Apfel (who passed in early August at age 100), and the many people who have been influenced by her boisterous personality. Students are actually learning under the now ninety year old fashion staple, and from what I've seen it's much needed. Apfel points out that designers have no idea about branding, merchandising, the world of Old World fashion in general. At times it's unclear how aware of reality Apfel really is, what with three of her homes being full of clothes. In most instances this would be seen as hoarding, but for this aging icon it's another facet of her obsessive passion.
As a role model, many would say that there's little to respect about a woman who puts together outfits for a living. As a person Apfel is an excellent role model: she's infectiously passionate about her chosen field, she's funny as hell, truthful to a fault, and insanely knowledgeable about the world. She cares about women, about making your mark, and preserving the things in life that matter. That's quite admirable for a woman best known for wearing rounded glasses and "putting an outfit together."
