Interview with Iris Apfel

Fashion and design icon Iris Apfel speaks briefly with MERDE about her perception of the current state of fashion, voicing the importance of individuality and flat out fun.

MERDE: Do you read Fashion magazines? 

APFEL: No, not anymore, I’ve been very turned off. First, they’re very dictatorial; how can you tell people that you don’t know what to wear and how to look? Second, there’s really not much fashion to report. I find there’s very little that’s new, and what’s new or supposedly new is a rehash or trying to be so different that it's ridiculous. In the old days fashion magazines were lovely, they were beautiful and well thought out. Now it’s a whole different ballgame - like everything else, it’s gone mad. But it’s not my role to sit in judgement -fashion has to go its own merry way. Fashion should be fun. 

UK Sunday Times Home June 2018: IRIS APFEL FEATURE

"Getting ready for the party is much more fun than going to the party." 

MERDE: What about fashion is the most fun to you? 

APFEL: It's a little bit of everything - The collecting is the most fun, I love to put things together in unusual ways, one time one way and one time another way. I think individuality is the most beautiful thing. I don't recall who it was, but a big socialite once said "getting dressed for the party is more fun than going to the party" and I agree. 

Illustration by Anna Whittemore