Sandra‘s Closet

Iris Apfel doesn’t want you to dress like she does. At 100, she’s still embracing uniqueness, wearing what makes her happy and encouraging everyone else to do the same.

«I think part of the problem with the way people dress nowadays is that it’s too generic,» says Iris. «Everyone looks the same, they wear the same things. They wear what’s in fashion, what’s trendy, what they’re being told to wear. That’s terribly dull. I want to see personality.»

And what’s the best way to reveal your personal style, à la Iris? Be curious, have fun, explore yourself. Wear clothes because you love them, pick out accessories because they make you smile, slip on the shoes that give you joy. Your style is an ever-evolving expression of your truest self, and each piece you own holds the magic of your experiences, adventures and memories.

«It’s not about what or who you wear but how you feel when wearing something,» confirms Iris. «Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.»

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection enthusiastically embraces this joyful and individual approach to style. There’s delightful print clashing, fabulously baroque aesthetics and colour, colour and more colour. The pieces are playful, eclectic and vibrant, and everything is a little bit over the top — in the best possible way.

Channel Iris in a vivid aquamarine suit with delicate embroidery and pearl peas; a glossy acid green and purple jacquard coat with an oversized feather pattern; a flouncy tiered skirt and blouse set in a stunning iris flower print; or an eye-catchingly voluminous violet jacket made from theatrical tulle swirls. There are also relaxed lounge sets, chic kaftans, fringed trousers, ruffled shirts, and even a swimsuit.

The accessories are equally glamorous and extravagant, just the way Iris likes them. Load up on chunky orange, black and green chains; oversized detachable pendants that become bold brooches; satiny slippers adorned with bejewelled scarab beetles and sparkling frogs; vivid statement cuffs; and stylishly bulky rings depicting Iris’s iconic face.

Dip into the collection to create a dynamic, positive and empowering look that proudly showcases your true style. Congratulations, you’ve found your inner Iris.

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection is available on hm.com and in selected stores worldwide from 31 March 2022. Local vairations may occur.

I love Iris! She is such an inspiration…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M

«Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.»

She is my muse, my idol – Iris Apfel is a true inspirational fashion icon and she just turned 100. Reason enough for H&M to collaborate with the birthday girl, who belongs to the world’s 50 best-dressed women. What better way to make a memorable celebration than creating a collection filled with eclectic garments and loud accessories?!

The upcoming collection, which will hit the shelves in the beginning of 2022, got a head start this week as the Swedish fashion giant celebrated and hosted her 100th birthday during New York Fashion Week 2021, cementing her status as a long-time fashion muse.

Imagine that you enter a room filled with eternal flair and a century’s worth of moments: you hear laughter, and chandeliers glitter; you see magnificent shapes and colors as if lifted from an artist’s palette — the smell of summer flowers and citrus fruits gives you goose bumps. That’s how I believe it feels entering Iris Apfel’s wardrobe.

A little preview of the upcoming Iris Apfel x H&M collection.

Iris was born in 1921 in the concrete jungle of New York. She studied art and fashion at prominent universities in the US, and her career is as inspirational as her style. She is a self-made businesswoman, style icon, fashion designer, and interior decorator. She has always succeeded on her different career paths with her oh-so-famous «why be boring?» attitude. If you happen to visit the Big Apple, you will quickly recognize «the Big Apfel.» Her esthetic of bright clothing, layers and layers of fun accessories, and thick, round, oversized glasses are just Iris dressing for herself and herself only. This has inspired people worldwide to create and celebrate their own style that they feel good in.

«Style is not about spending a lot of money. It’s not about what or who you wear, but how you feel when wearing something. Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude,» says Iris Apfel.

Iris represents the notion that style and inspiration can come from anywhere and anyone, regardless of the price. «I think that H&M is a fabulous outfit worldwide and absolute pioneers in their field — which I love! I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!» says Iris.

«With this collaboration, we are celebrating a unique and extraordinary woman and her creative and audacious style,» says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M. «She shows that style is ageless and keeps encouraging people to show who they are with fashion — and to have fun at the same time.»

The Iris Apfel x H&M collection will include an assortment of clothing and accessories created with Iris’ bold sense of style, designed for all ages and sizes.

«The collection is playful, opulent and rich with vibrant colors, vivid prints and opulent fabric choices. The look is indulgent with a more-is-more attitude and crowned by over-the-top jewelry, which is very much a signum for Iris,» says an excited Ann-Sofie Johansson.

The collection launches at the beginning of 2022.
I hope that you will enjoy all of my favorite Iris Apfel quotes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © H&M / Iris Apfel