Iris, an Icon

“I didn’t give a damn about going to the party or being at the party, it was getting dressed for the party. And there’s truth and poetry in that.”

Iris Apful is a business woman, subject of a Metropolitan Museum of Art retrospective and a film star. At 94 she is an icon.

The latest film from legendary documentarian Albert Maysles (Grey Gardens), Iris pairs the late 88-year-old filmmaker (who passed away in March this year) with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 94-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades.

Iris providing inspiration in the Neometro office. Via @openjournal_neometro instagram.

More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. Iris portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment.

At 94, Iris is busier than ever. “I feel lucky to be working. If you’re lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.”

Iris is now showing at The Classic, Nova and Palace cinemas.