«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