Iris

In the fashion mecca of New York, the 93-year-old textile designer and businesswoman Iris Apfel is a real phenomenon. Known for her eloquence as well as her eyewear, she’s a sought-after guest at any cultural event. In this portrait by veteran documentarian Albert Maysles (, ), we discover that everyone wants something from this warmhearted character, whether it’s advice, a design or some words of wisdom. The phone never stops ringing, but she’s always got a kind word for everyone. For 50 years, she and her centenarian husband Carl have been running the renowned Old World Weavers textile business, whose customers include the White House. And she’s as alive and kicking as ever – or “vertical,” as she jokingly puts it. Maysles follows Apfel as she goes about her daily activities outdoors and at home in New York and Palm Beach, in apartments crammed with art treasures, knickknacks and plenty in between. She makes for an intriguing protagonist, with her amazing collection of clothing that she has accumulated over the decades, her broad cultural knowledge and her creativity. The film punctuates the ups and downs of this worldly lady’s daily life with TV appearances, old photographs and wonderful 16mm travel footage shot by Carl. Various prominent figures from the worlds of art and fashion also appear, telling tales of the amiable fashion icon who’s always ready with a pithy one-liner.