Remembering Iris Apfel

I happened to be going through a series of images to decide what to draw today and found a colorful photograph of Iris that fit the bill. Using Muji pen, pencil, watercolor and markers, the drawing below isn't perfect but it does capture the sense of Iris as female fashion maven of bohemian elegance and style. Interestingly, it wasn't until later today AFTER the image was drawn and dry, I learned of her passing. What synchronicity!

In thinking more about her, it was Iris Apfel's ability to mix distinctly different and, at times, clashing garments with a range of embellishments (sometimes gaudy, sometimes architectural, sometimes cultural, sometimes flea market finds) that resulted in amazing ensembles that only she could wear!

Her personal/career story is amazing too and when you'd expect she would have retired, she was drawn into a second career in fashion in her 80s. Having lived to 102, Iris embraced an identity that transcended her roots that she would characterize something like this: 'dressing unlike others, gives me permission to not think like others'. The words, to me, say I'm claiming my independence of thought and going to express my unparalleled opinion.

Both the Washington Post and New York Times have lovely tribute articles with photos about Iris Apfel tonight, if you want to know more and subscribe to one or both.

RIP Iris!

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Cay Denise

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