A COLORFUL KALEIDOSCOPIC

And so, it has come to pass...a very rare bird, and of our Patron Saints at the Casa du Borghese, that of one fabulousness, in the form of Iris Apfel has blown the doors off Fabulon to enter it. Iris Apfel, an interior designer, art collector, fashion icon and designer, New York socialite, smart businesswoman and camp role model has passed on at the ripe age of 102 yesterday. Iris Apfel has been dishing a century's worth of advice to anyone who'd listen on how to define your own style and would take every opportunity she'd get to express her own joyous and creative point of view. And talk about Maximal style? She was the queen of laying anything and everything...a maximist to the extent and embodied her iconic fashion sense and employed her rich history of expertise in textiles that began when she was a young child creating schemes with her grandmother's fabric remnants. As a connoisseur of artistry, and textile maven herself, Iris's imaginable and dynamic taste is fervently infused in every pattern and color imaginable. Three worlds for Iris..Bold...witty and exuberant, not to mention eccentric. I had the pleasure to talk with her once, while working at Bloomingdales while doing a display as she walked past. She was tickled a young person even knew who she was I believe. But it would be unlawful as a gay man to not know who Iris Apfel was, at least in these parts. She was complimenting a display I was working on. I recall telling her of the finished display and how I might get a scold for doing what I wanted. I recall her advice being, "Color outside the lines sweetie, those that make their mark don't get there by coloring in the lines." And she was right. And if anyone lived by my favorite quote- " LIVE LIVE! Life's a banquet and some sorry suckers are starving." it was Iris Apfel. Even till her death she stayed colorful and took to Instagram in often colorful post, celebrating life. And if anything, she marched to her own drummer and didn't care of what people thought of her over the top style. Just because your in your elder years, doesn't mean living and having fun has to end. I couldn't agree more. One this rainy day, I'm sure New York feels ever gloomier.

Iris Apfel

August 29 1921- March 1 2024

IN THREE WORDS

 In this weekly feature, I'll share a weekly guest with you all, and you tell me in only three words, what comes to mind. This week, one of the newest members of the centenarian club. 

In three words...

Iris Apfel

A HAPPY GAY

I know we can all bitch and complain about our jobs. The down side to mine is the early hours and the extremely physical days I have, being on my feet all day and covering lord knows how many miles.Yesterday was one of those days where I really enjoyed the perks of the job. Every year my company has an event called HOT. It is probably the biggest event of the year, which showcases new designers we carry, the latest in fashion and trends, and the newest up and coming designers. The two week event is packed full of events generally. But yesterday was probably the best day to go.

The morning kicked off with delicious drinks, beautiful flowers and a speaking area set up for Anna Wintour, yes....the infamous Anna Wintour.... Editor in Chief of Vogue Magazine and Ken Downing , who is a fashion leader in the industry and has been creative director of various department stores. But Anna, as you may be aware has been a idol to me. Her story is really an amazing one if you ask me. Anna discussed journalism, social media, celebrity style, what the hottest trends right now, how she enjoys color, and how more is more and less is a bore. Afterwards she mingled a bit before being zipped away back to New York surly.

But just seeing her in person was good enough for me. If that wasn't enough for this gay boy, we also had the legendary, businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon of royalty Iris Apfel in the house!

I just adore that woman. Anyone who has the balls to wear what she does, looking fabulous and having fun with fashion, and doesn't let age slow them down is very cool. Iris was at the event to launch her new in store collection we're carrying for a limited time, and was the reason  most of my week was busy. I was the one setting the displays that announced her arrival and goods. Iris and our company worked together for the props and left it to us on the display. I thought it turned out rather nice and very fun....and could see the Mistress but in a few of these numbers. God knows I love me some plumes.

I am tempted to bring home the Iris Apfel cutout when were done with this display!!!!

Also in the house yesterday was Nick Verreos of Project Runway fame who was discussing  the latest beauty trends in eyes, lip and skincare, and  the reputable Philadelphia blogger  Alisa Fredricko who is style director of Dressing Jane.

The cosmetics department  alone was mobbed and I'm sure raked in the doe, as did the store has a whole. Thanks to yours truly, the cocktail company I recommend was on hand serving the drinks, 13th Street Cocktails. Next thing you know, I'll e in PR.

There were also two other unexpected treats. Earlier in the week I got an email from longtime reader Calliope, who is a Regional Director of Clarins, and was slated to be at the event with her National Make up artist Armando. It is always so great to meet a reader of the blog, and she was downright beautiful!!!!!!! We later talked and shared a cock-a-tail or two over at the bar. Calliope with her traveling entourage of make artist. I mean it girl..either of them...give them  my number!!!!! We have also promised to get together again when she comes to Philly. It was so great meeting her. Agnes Goldberg -DeWoofs was also in the house, but alas, never did get to meet up, as poor Agnes didn't think I'd be working. I would have loved to met her.

Later I got a text from the Lad, that his dear father was in the store, so I got to catch up with him. The apple didn't fall far from the tree. And he is just as nuts as his son!

We grabbed a pizza before I departed to come back to the Casa after a very fun and exhausting day. All this beauty, work, and schmoozing can be taxing I tell ya. But came home with tons of goodies. But now since I saw two of my favorite ladies and met ...finally Calliope, yes her real name, how fun a name is that.....I can die a happy gay....preferably in something from the Iris Apfel collection.

Who's That Lady, Iris Apfel?????

While perusing the society pages, do you ever wonder who the woman in the over sized, round glasses is? She never fails to be adorned with something bold and eye-catching, always slightly quirky and eclectic, but dressed-to-the-nines nonetheless? She calls herself a 'geriatric starlet' but she's has been one of fashion's muses, inspiring everyone from designers to glossy magazine editors. She is Iris Apfel, a businesswoman, former interior designer, and one of New York City and Palm Beach's own fashion peacocks.



Born Iris Barrel,her family owned a glass and mirror business, and a fashion boutique. Apfel is certainly a part of a unique breed of style icons. I had met her once at one of our charity events through our store's personal shopping consultant and she was a real pistol. We talked a little about fashion and interior design, and she wanted to know why I'm not doing anymore, but that's another story. I immediately loved her style and was very drawn to those glasses! I wonder if there is a fabulous club for stylish women who wear big glasses. Were Sylvia Weinstock, Carrie Donovan, and Iris all friends who think?





She married Carl Apfel in the 40's. Together, they launched the textile firm Old World Weavers and ran it until they retired in 1992 and sold out to Stark textiles. During this time, she built it into one of the most prestigious brands in the world of textiles and interior design and the authority on antique textile reproductions. She also took part in many design restoration projects, including work at the White House for nine presidents: Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, and Clinton.





Her Park Avenue home was featured in Architectural Digest I while back and I found it just as colorful and eccentric as she is!





I just finished reading the book about her and found it highly intresting and very entertaining. Here is a quotation from our fashion Icon regarding accessories, and one myself firmly believe in : “For me the key to personal style lies in accessories. My friends tell me that my oversized glasses and my pairs of bracelets have become my unwritten signature. I have amassed an enormous ‘collection’ of bags, belts, bangles and beads without which I would be lost. One can change the entire look of an outfit by substituting one accessory for another. I love objects from different worlds, different eras, combined my way. Never uptight, achieving – hopefully – a kind of throwaway chic.” Iris Apfel.



Long live this fabulous fashion icon!!!!!!