Happy Monday! For this month’s Style Not Age we are showcasing outfits inspired by Iris Apfel…just in time to celebrate the launch of her collection with H&M! As with other H&M collaborations, they’re not exactly cheap (£119 for a pair of mules). But every piece in the collection is right up my street. When they go on sale on Thursday, I’ll be doing my best to bag the items I’ve got my eye on before they sell out! (There’ll be a full preview of the collection and a look behind the scenes on the H&M website on Wednesday).
Even if you don’t know who Iris is (and I’m sure you do) you will have seen her on social media, in magazines and in ad campaigns. At the grand age of 100 she is as stylish as ever and continues to be an icon for fashionistas of all ages.
Iris had a very successful career as an interior designer alongside her late husband Karl. Together, they ran the textiles firm Old World Weavers until they retired in 1992. Over her career, Iris Apfel took part in a variety of design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents, from Truman to Clinton. Through their business, the couple travelled all over the world to source fabrics, where Apfel also bought pieces of non-Western, artisanal clothes. She wore these to clients’ high society parties and became known for her unusual style.
In 2005, The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City premiered an exhibition about Iris Apfel’s style entitled Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel. It was the museum’s first time showcasing an exhibit about clothing and accessories focused on a living person who wasn’t a designer. She has starred in various campaigns and adverts since then. In 2019, at the age of 97, she signed a modelling contract with global agency IMG. It just goes to show that it’s never too late to become a model!
As you’ve probably gathered by now, I’m a huge fan of Iris and her flamboyant style. This isn’t the first time I’ve deliberately dressed like her; three years ago I put together this outfit for a Match Made in Seven (now defunct) blogger group collaboration. I followed a similar formula: a column of one colour with lots of necklaces, bangles and my round sunglasses. The red with turquoise jewellery is one of my absolute favourite Iris outfits though, so I wanted to emulate that this time.
So, I started with the red trousers and top, plus red trainers (I’ve never seen Iris in heels). Then I picked out all of my turquoise, red and black jewellery. The faux fur coat isn’t appropriate for the weather, but I wanted to recreate the outfit as closely as possible. A vintage clutch and round sunglasses finished off the look. But, that’s not all…scroll down to see how I swapped the coat for a vest.
The long black vest is more appropriate for spring, and you can see my bangles! I would definitely wear this outfit, minus a few bangles. I don’t know how Iris manages with so many – it must take her ages to get undressed!
Celebrating 100 years of style!
SHOP THE LOOK
River Island trousers | River island top | Marks & Spencer sunglasses (old) | Wallis vest (old) | Zara trainers (old) | LOTD faux fur coat (old)
Hilda, who chose this month’s theme has styled an all-green look, with pieces borrowed from a local store. The jewellery is her daughter’s, but if I were you I’d keep hold of them Hilda! Visit Over the Hilda for all the details.
Gail has chosen a fabulous pink and green combination. I love the green collar – I think Iris would too! Head over to Is This Mutton? to see more!
Anna has really gone for it with NINE necklaces! Fab gingham trousers and a ruffle blouse make for a fab spring combination. Pop over to Anna’s Island Style to read more.
Jacqui of Mummabstylish has layered a floral print blouse over a lovely rust-coloured dress. She has topped it off with lots and lots of pearls. The funky glasses complete this Iris-inspired look.
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I love all of these looks! What a hommage! Grand.
Wow, what a fantastic inspiration and interpretation of this style icon
https://lookingfabulousat50.blogspot.com.au/
you look stuning! All these outfits are great.
Love this so much!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Well done I and awesome!
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
Thanks Michelle!
You did a great job to this look Emma. I love the colour combination and your jewellery collection is fab too!