I have this one bracelet that looks like a bunch of yellow and red dice (or is it di? What is plural here for abuncha dices? You know what I’m talking about). Anyway, this bracelet, it’s huge. I consider it my lucky charm for three reasons.
- Because it glows in the dark. Not like freak-o-glo, like a magical, luminous glow. Like something that fell off a unicorn. It’s so cool.
- Because I was wearing it when I guy tried to mug me on the subway and my bracelet was so big it prevented the guy from swiping my handbag off my wrist. It was literally so big it prevented theft. Not that the dude didn’t try – there was an ungraceful scuffle, my hair got messed up, I bit him, then he ran off. That makes me sound like the fourth Charlie’s Angel but really, it was just a three-second knee-jerk reaction to someone trying to fuck with my accessories. I suspect Iris, and many of you, would do the same. What was disappointing about the event is that this happened in the middle of rush hour and ten other people were in easy reach, not one of whom could be bothered to help or try to intervene. Know what helped? My bracelet. It, or should I say she, was looking out for me.
- Because everyone always compliments me on it and asks me where I got it – I tell them the Iris Apfel collection on HSN. They are like, Who? I’m like, Iris. How do you not know Iris?
Iris Apfel is a fashion icon in her own right.
I feel like saying she is a “fashion icon” is almost belittling her, because really, she is just an Open-Minded Badass and fashion just happens to be her forte. This woman would be awesome at whatever she put her mind to, and that is what makes her awesome.Oh yeah, did I mention she is 92?
At first I liked the look of her – I like anyone with a sparkle tooth bigger than my own – but then I heard and read and watched her more over the years and now I consider her to be my personal patron saint. Saint Iris. I don’t care if she isn’t dead and neither one of us is Catholic, I’m declaring her a saint. It’s official. All I need to do is erect an alter or something. People can come and visit and lay down beads and textiles and over-sized sunglasses. I’m this close to taking up a collection.
Iris’ wardrobe was the focus of a Met exhibit a few years ago, and there is rumor of documentary in the works. In the meantime, I’m have to troll HSN.com and youtube to get my Iris fix.
I have never heard of Iris! I feel fortunate that I have now. You can bet I will do some looking on the internet. She is fabulous!
Isn’t she though?!
Girl can mix prints like a boss. A gift I always marvel at.
One Die, Many Dice.
You asked. =)
Hooray for Iris! I had an ex who kept telling me to ‘tone it down’ ‘that’s so costumey’ ‘People aren’t going to take you seriously.’ Note: ‘ex’. I now have no time for anyone who tries to tell me I’m too flashy. This life is not the dress rehearsal for the real one.
Well said. I’m guessing his attitude is the reason he is an ex. Good riddance!
Yayayayayay! I LOVE IRIS! I did not know Iris prior to your intro, Aunt Peaches, but I feel as though she is my grandmother resurrected! I have long lived by the credo that one black dress + infinite accessories = awesome, and now I bow down and pray at the Iris altar in thanks!!
Thanks for the intro, btw – MUCH APPRECIATED!!!
Your next how-to should be ‘Making a saint candle’ so you can place her right in the middle of gaudy colors and rhinestones where she belongs!
I have admired Iris for some time but hadn’t thought of making her a saint…but cool idea. She gives me the courage to stop being a beige sheep and wear polka dots!
A number of people might examine bridal dresses that are great and trendy. Other folks could be happy with whatever they locate stylish and stylish. But are these the ideal bridal robes? The right wedding robe mirrors the disposition from the bride.
http://www.dreamy-dress.com/wedding-dresses-c62_25
Have you seen Bill Cunningham New York? It’s a lovely documentary & Saint Iris is in it!
I teach altar making classes.
I can mock up an Iris altar for you, no problem.
She is awesome. I love the videos of her they have on there showin’ off her items! Like this for example.. http://www.hsn.com/products/rara-avis-by-iris-apfel-raffia-style-satchel/7007465?variant=7007468
I have a baby in my belly and so considering naming her Iris. Iris Apfel so pushes me closer to the awesome edge of going with that name.