The Book Club | Accidental Icon by Iris Apfel

I’m totally mad about this rare bird.

Close your eyes and picture oversized glasses, red lipstick and intoxicating outfits. Did Iris appear? Most of us know her face, dwarfed by those punchy glasses, “all the bigger to see you with my dear”. Her red lipstick has a ‘sit up and listen’ powerful, glamourous quality, and she’s perhaps the world’s oldest living teenager (self-proclaimed).

“If you want to stay young, you have to think young.” Now that’s cool.

In her book, Iris writes about the unexpected moments - her lifelong journey in fashion, textile and interior design. One of those things she never expected to do was write a book. We’re glad she did!

There’s a lot of invigorating content packed into the pages. The story is meaningful, emotive and persuasive (I’m about ready to dig out my costume jewellery from 1985). Iris is 97 years young, but she simply doesn’t think about age. Hers is a joyfully long marriage (67 yrs) and her zest for life is contagious.

I’ve been scanning a few YouTube videos and here’s a couple of lovely things to tumble from those red lips; “There’s so much sameness in the world… at least change your jewellery,” and, “if it feels good here (she taps her heart), then I know it’s right for me.”

In Greek mythology, Iris is the personification of a rainbow – how very fitting.