Friday With Iris
Elle India|October 2017, 250th issue special

Iris Apfel, New York’s grande dame of style, keeps a busy schedule as a colourful and curious fashion sensation. Arati Menonn gets a glimpse into her singular life, on the rare occasion that she’s sitting still

Arati Menonn
Friday With Iris

Iris Apfel has just come up for air after the circus—as some would call it—that is New York Fashion Week. Apfel, a Fashion Week veteran who just turned 96, has diminishing interest in the big top. “It’s hideous. It’s so difficult to get anywhere on time,” she says. She barely had any time for the actual shows, even though Naeem Khan and Delpozo were on her radar. Most designers, she adds, have gone so far out they’re not relatable anymore. And then: “Is this the interview? Has it begun?”

Just to get this out of the way, Apfel is wearing a pink terry wool robe over black pants when we meet. Along with her signature thick-rimmed owlish glasses and a touch of lipstick. Yes, she wears terry cloth. Even Iris Apfel is off-duty sometimes.

Not very often, though. For this icon of style and eccentricity, who calls herself the “world’s oldest teenager”, life is running full-tilt. Apfel became famous at the age of 84—when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute chose to present a fashion retrospective honouring her. Until then, she was well known in New York circles, but the exhibition trained a brighter spotlight on her exuberance and spunk. Apfel was a rara avis, a rare bird, with her brightly coloured Bakelite bangles, taffeta, feathered necklaces, and exaggerated glasses. From Ralph Lauren to M.A.C cosmetics and Jimmy Choo, product lines were launched as a tribute to her style. Then, two years ago came Iris, a documentary made by the legendary film-maker Albert Maysles. We are sitting in the very same Park Avenue home that forms the visual backdrop for the film, and Apfel is apologising for the disarray.

Bu hikaye Elle India dergisinin October 2017, 250th issue special sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Elle India dergisinin October 2017, 250th issue special sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

ELLE INDIA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition
Elle India

Bridal Trends, 2024 Edition

Bralettes, corsets and mermaid skirts emerge as the new must-haves when it comes to wedding dressing

time-read
4 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
All The Feels
Elle India

All The Feels

Maahi Shah takes a deeper look at the big little moments in a bride's life as she prepares for her wedding day

time-read
5 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ISLAND ESCAPADE
Elle India

ISLAND ESCAPADE

Here's why Fiji is the ultimate destination to celebrate your love.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
ROMANTIC ESCAPES
Elle India

ROMANTIC ESCAPES

Wondering where to head for a honeymoon getaway? Isha Mayer recommends five luxurious destinations for your honeymoon

time-read
3 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
The Taste Of Weddings
Elle India

The Taste Of Weddings

What goes behind planning those extravagant grazing tables and indulgent bites at weddings? Top gourmet caterers let Isha Mayer in on their processes

time-read
4 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time
Elle India

Challenging Convention One Ritual at a Time

Maahi Shah speaks to five female priests who have been breaking new ground while upholding faith and pursuing a passion for learning

time-read
6 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS
Elle India

FIJI: A TROPICAL FOR INDIAN HAVEN WEDDINGS

From pristine beaches to cultural familiarity, discover why Fiji is the perfect destination for Indian weddings.

time-read
2 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY
Elle India

MAKE YOUR WEDDING FANTASY A REALITY

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace offers luxurious venues, exquisite dining and unforgettable moments

time-read
3 dak  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE
Elle India

SHINING BRIGHT EVERYWHERE

Lab-grown diamonds for every occasion—luxury and affordability

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024
BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED
Elle India

BRIDAL BEAUTY, REDEFINED

Christine Ko, CEO of Moira Cosmetics, shares her insights on makeup for brides and the art of achieving radiant skin.

time-read
1 min  |
ELLE Wedding Book 2024