15 Sep Why Don’t You… Dress Up?
‘Why Don’t You’ is my weekly tribute to legendary editor Diana Vreeland who penned a column of the same name for Harper’s Bazaar for 26 years begging, “Don’t just be your ordinary dull self. Why don’t you be ingenious and make yourself into something else?”
Two of my favorite things came together on Friday for a bit of New York Fashion Week magic.
Story, a concept store with the point of view of a magazine, that changes monthly like a gallery, but sells things like a store in Hells Kitchen, was hosting fashion’s favorite nonagenarian Iris Apfel for an evening of conversation.
It certainly did not disappoint.
Led by Story’s founder, Rachel Shechtman, Iris held the audience captive as she waxed poetic on a variety of topics: owning a textile business with her husband Carl, restoring the White House for 9 presidents, what it takes to have healthy relationship—don’t make the other one do things with you all the time, actresses who get it right on the red carpet (none, for the record, because no one dresses themselves) and what she is most disappointed with when it comes to style.
“People don’t dress up anymore,” Iris said as the room erupted in laughter. “I was just horrified—last week I went to see China: Through The Looking Glass. The curator was kind enough to invite me to come, I looked around and said ‘everybody here looks like they’re going to the beach!’”
“There were people in shorts and thong sandals… there doesn’t seem to be any respect for art or culture anymore. They just looked like a mess…,” she said, trailing off.
You said a mouthful there, Iris! It used to make me self-conscious that I preferred to be “dressed up.” Now I embrace it, that’s just who I am. I can imagine what I’ll have to say about the youth when I’m her age. Or their music. ?
For your own dose of Iris, you can shop her curated selection of jewelry at Story, retailing anywhere from $30 to $995 until September 27th.
What do you think of Iris Apfel? Is she not everything? Does she make you want to dress up—because she certainly makes me want to.
Esta Fiesta
Posted at 10:22h, 15 SeptemberIris is so real. We really don’t dress up anymore! I remember thinking Broadway was an EVENT and you had to dress to the nines to go. When I finally went to a Broadway show everyone had on jeans and New Balances.
ChanningintheCity
Posted at 10:49h, 22 SeptemberI did that, too! I thought it was like, a thing, and people were going to show out. Weddings are like that too now, I’ve noticed. Not as bad as jeans, but like very casual considering the occasion. I think I’m still going to be someone who errs on the side of a little too dressy. Make our girl Iris proud!
Esta Fiesta
Posted at 10:55h, 22 SeptemberOMG I went to a wedding a few weeks ago and the invitation said Black Tie preferred. Someone showed up in white linen pants and a white button down linen shirt. Sir. That is NOWHERE close to black tie. Save that outfit for a Jamaican cookout!
ChanningintheCity
Posted at 11:26h, 22 SeptemberI would be so offended if I put Black Tie preferred, not optional but preferred and someone showed up in white linen with a button down. You don’t respect me or my union.
Ariel B
Posted at 10:12h, 23 SeptemberYou know how I feel about this topic. I live for the era’s when people put forth effort into how they looked. We live in a time where people wear pajamas, rollers and satin caps in public. We won’t get started on those shenanigans. But I agree 100% with Iris is saying. I believe you should dress everyday as if you are going to meet your destiny, you never know you just might. I live for Iris and her husbands, Did you see the documentary? They are the cutest.
ChanningintheCity
Posted at 16:16h, 24 SeptemberI didn’t see the whole thing yet! But I do think she and her husband are adorable. I loved hearing her speak about him during her talk. I wrote this entire paper my freshman year at college about how American’s love for flip flops reflected our lack of respect for cultural values. And I still stand by that. I wrote it around the time some girl wore flip flops to the White House and it turned into this whole thing.