Your favorite newspaper as a purse
I am beyond flattered. The Peabody Essex Museum turned my story on geriatric glamazon Iris Apfel into a tote bag, a purse, and a wristlet! You can pick up these well-written accessories at the museum's gift shop.
And just in case you can't get enough Iris (or missed her amazing talk with Isaac Mizrahi earlier this month), the Peabody Essex has another full weekend of Iris activities coming up in early December (find the full schedule in the extended entry), including a fashion session with Iris, a screening of Mizrahi's "Unzipped," and a talk with Iris, Pulitzer-Prize winning fashion writer Robin Givhan, and designer Michael Vollbracht.
If you haven't been to see this incredible exhibition of Apfel's wardrobe, I highly suggest a trip to Salem.
Friday, December 4 | 6:30 – 10 pm
Fashion Session with Iris Apfel
Reservations by December 1
Members $30, nonmembers $40
Enjoy a lively conversation between Iris Apfel and designer Michael Vollbracht as Apfel recounts the experiences and influences that shaped her iconic fashion style. Vollbracht, former artistic director of Bill Blass, launched his own line in 2008. He is a top New york designer and creator of Bloomingdale’s Big Brown Bag. Watch Apfel’s inspiration come to life in a fashion show produced by Christine Robidoux of Salem’s Modern Millie. In collaboration with the Museum Shop, the show features clothing and accessories created exclusively for sale at PEM, vintage fashions from Modern Millie and select pieces from Apfel’s personal collection.
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel will be open for viewing from 6:30 to 9 pm and the Museum Shop will have extended hours until 10 pm. Cash bar and light hors d’oeuvres will be available.
Saturday, December 5
Demonstration: The Art of Fashion in Action!
11 am – 4 pm, Atrium
Jay Calderin and his students from the School of Fashion Design in Boston lead this behind-the-scenes look at how a garment comes to life, from fashion sketch to fabric draped on a dress form. Calderin is director of creative marketing at the school and founder and executive director of Boston Fashion Week. His designs have appeared in Vogue, Elle, The Boston Globe and The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine.
Fashion Activity: Iris Style
Noon – 4 pm, Atrium
Stylists from Stilista, a Boston-based fashion style agency, help fashionistas of all ages pay homage to Iris Apfel. Try on necklaces, bracelets, wraps and other accessories to accentuate your individual style. Have your picture taken on the “runway” and be part of PEM’s fashion slide show on the PEM Flickr page!
Film: Unzipped
1995, 73 minutes, directed by Douglas Keeve
12:30 – 1:45 pm, Morse Auditorium
Reservations by December 3
Peek behind the scenes as fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi plans his fall 1994 collection. This documentary features supermodels and Hollywood stars amid the chaos and sublime creativity of high fashion. This film is rated R for mild profanity.
Panel Discussion: The World of Fashion with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Fashion Journalist Robin Givhan, Designer Michael Vollbracht and Iris Apfel
3 – 4:30 pm, Morse Auditorium
Reservations by December 2
Find out what three influential members of the fashion community say will be hot in the coming year. Our panelists discuss how they met, their shared inspiration and their passion for fashion and design. They also talk about the dynamic relationship between art and design. Paula Richter, curator for exhibitions and research, moderates the discussion.
Contributors
Hayley Kaufman is editor of the Style section.
Rachel Raczka is a producer for Boston.com.
