Monday, November 2, 2015

Iris (Apfel): Film Review

Released 28 April 2015.
Director Albert Maysles aims his camera at that rare bird of fashion, Iris Apfel and the result is the documentary Iris (2015).

Born in 1921, Iris received an education in art history and then went on to work in interior decorating with her husband Carl Apfel. They traveled the world to design fabrics and to purchase unique items for their clientele.

Over the decades and often while traveling, Iris purchased many unique clothing items and pieces of costume jewelry.

Because she had well-healed clients and attended socialized with the rich and famous, word got out to museums about her sense of style. Her outfits were featured in museums, and she has been a model for MAC cosmetics.

She's in high demand these days, which is a bit tricky for a nonagenarian.

Thankfully, we have access to Iris through this documentary, which runs 1 hour and 23 minute.  We get a close look at her clothes, jewelry, home furnishings, work, marriage, and travels.

While it would be impractical for most women to imitate Iris--given people's limitations of money and space--I found her inspiring. She encourages me to embrace color, to accessorize, and to exhibit confidence.


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6 comments:

  1. Awesome! I didn't realize they made a movie about her. Will check it out!

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    1. Enjoy! I like the way she layers her costume jewelry.

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  2. Will definitely check this out! Thanks so much :-)

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    1. She has so many very beautiful jackets. I showed great restraint not to pluck one right off her shoulders. : )

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  3. I loved this documentary, and was very sad when I heard that both the filmmaker and her husband had passed away. She is an amazing woman!

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    1. Her husband was 3 days shy of 101 yo. Mayles and his brother filmed Grey Gardens (about relatives of Jackie O's). I haven't seen many of their films (or his alone after his brother died in midlife). It was amazing that he filmed Iris while battling pancreatic cancer. That's dedication.

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