When 91-year-old Iris Apfel appears in the Bill Cunningham movie, at a society event in New York, the photographer exclaims, 'Iris, thank god you're here, everyone else looks so boring.' And he's right. Apfel has a singular style and a cult following in the fashion world: the Metropolitan Museum held an exhibition of her clothes in 2005, more recently she's designed jewellery and glasses and inspired a range of MAC make-up. Now Jimmy Choo have created 'the ultimate homage to the grande dame of idiosyncratic fashion.' And here it is:
Don't know about you but when I look at this staggeringly high, woven leather sandal, I don't immediately think 'Iris Apfel.' Whilst creative directors Sandra Choi and Simon Holloway 'took inspiration from Apfel's maximalist style and bold layering of tribal and ethnic jewellery,' they obviously didn't look at her feet. I doubt the nonagenarian has worn heels this high for, ooh, ever. Or the last 60 years, at least. Often photographed at home in her Upper East Side apartment, feet up in comfy shoes, Apfel has said, 'Those big platforms and insanely high heels. They look like an orthopedist's delight. I don't see anything beautiful about them....there's nothing that beats a classic pump.'
But fortunately, there's a flat version too. Anyone interested in developing a range of Apfel-inspired slippers, you know where to find me.
Iris Apfel photos: Chester Higgins & Martha Camarillo.
Quote: Daily Mail.
I love the heels, though the word macramé did come to mind.....
ReplyDeleteI keep wondering how long the insanely high heels will proliferate, when so many of us cannot wear them. Guess we have at least another season or two...
ReplyDeleteI just don't think "macrame" when I think of Iris Apfel, and both versions of the sandals scream "macrame" to me.
it seems as if they didn't take her personality into consideration in the design of the shoe. you did more research than they did for goodness sakes!
ReplyDeleteWell, I guess it's true that you can be INITIALLY inspired by something and then lots happens during the creative process and you wind up with something very different.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to have a pair of the booties she's wearing in the first photo.
ReplyDeletelittlebrownbird & deja pseu - you're right, it's macramé!
ReplyDeleteWendy - I appreciate things evolve during the design process but this just feels very tenuous. I'm wondering if Iris Apfel was even involved?
Terri - me too. They're fabulous, aren't they?
They don't shout Iris to me at all, I've seen similar in shops on the High Street. That heel's a bit spindly for my liking! x
ReplyDeleteWell done for showing the flat versions - until now, I had only seen the skyscrapers and had thought it a little odd as a tribute to Iris. Must say, I still love them though - perfect for my alter-ego who lives in Capri, only wears a white bikini (with the high heels)and has a boyfriend half my age who rides around on a little baby blue scooter...with me on the back...sigh!
ReplyDeleteComing from the bushes, I have no idea of this Iris Apfel.
ReplyDeleteSeeing her, I could imagine both versions on her. She could be photographed in the high shoes, and walk in the sandals ; ).
Iris is inspiring and the antidote for fear of aging. I read somewhere that she called herself a 'geriatric starlet.' A wicked sense of humor too!
ReplyDeleteooh I really want to see that movie.... am currently in love with my Viv Westwood Melissa Mary-Janes skewered in a sale....bit high for me but divine.... am now teetering about north London hanging on to any hand rail available!!
ReplyDeleteAgree - more comfort please Mr Choo! Love Iris Apfel though - what an inspiration this lady is. x
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to really interesting flats the moment you started your piece. Feel let down by both versions. Not very her at all. I thought the shoes were the ones in the 1st shot. They are way more fun. Xxxx
ReplyDeleteOMG I just love her ! who cares if the shoes are wonderful or not !
ReplyDeleteIris Apfel is still interested in fashion !!! You go girl! NO comfort - shes in her 90's & stylish ! woo woo
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ReplyDeleteBut fortunately, there's a flat version too. Anyone interested in developing a range of Apfel-inspired slippers, you know where to find me. serviced apartments london
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