If you have any interest in expanding your personal style then the documentary on Iris Apfel is a must see. The 94 year old New Yorker sets the bar pretty high in the fashion world with her bold choices and 100% authentic expression.
Words like eccentric and quirky are often used to describe Iris as she excels at mixing patterns, combining crazy colors and adding on loads of accessories. And those specs! But there’s an art in her outfits — she is creating a vision for herself which is what truly makes her stand out.
With a firm foot in the fashion industry, particularly after her Metropolitan Museum exhibit back in 06, I expected Iris to provide a (rare) bird’s eye view of her vast and exquisite collection. What I didn’t expect was the other story line, her 65 year marriage, to captivate so strongly. Their together forever relationship was one to watch.
The self proclaimed geriatric starlet exemplifies aging with grace while proving that great style isn’t one size fits all. Here are some of my favorite quotes from the film:
I’m not pretty, and I’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter. I have something much better. I have style.
You have to be yourself, be who you are, and take time to be open and honest with yourself. If you don’t know yourself, you’ll never have great style. To me, the worst fashion faux pas is to look in the mirror, and not see yourself.
What’s my style is not your style, and I don’t see how you can define it. It’s something that expresses who you are in your own way.
I don’t have any rules, because I’d only be breaking them.
To find out who you are is like putting yourself on a psychiatric couch, but you have nobody to help you. Really it isn’t easy. I was talking with my nephew this morning and he gave me one of the best quotes I’ve heard in years, ‘Personal style is curiosity about oneself’.
Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self expression and, above all, attitude.
Get the movie here or find it on Netflix.
facebook: facebook.com/elyshalenkin
twitter: @elyshalenkin
instagram: elysha_nyc
Follow my blog with Bloglovin.
Elysha,
Thank you! I am DEFINITELY going to see this documentary! Iris sounds like my kind of girl!
I think you will enjoy it. Iris is a character, and her story is a fun one to watch. Thanks for stopping by, GGW!!
Thanks for the teaser, Elysha. I have been wanting to see this film, especially after seeing the trailer awhile ago. Your post entices me even more. And I adore the quotes. I appreciate your sharing! xxo
Hi ST! I really enjoyed it, and found Iris to be totally inspiring. I actually came across her quotes first which is what led me to the film. Hope you’re staying warm! xoxo