Yes, Iris Apfel. Haven’t heard of her? Well this chica is a style icon for those of us gals that love vintage, unique, furry, sparkly, awesomeness of almost drag queen status. (and I say that with love, Ms. Anita Manhattan) The one constant in Iris’ wardrobe are her huge rimmed black glasses. She was born i 1921 in Astoria Queens, dad owned a glass business and her Russian mommy a fashion boutique. In 1948 she married Carl Apfel and soon thereafter they opened Old World Weavers, a textile and restoration business. She even worked in the White House with 9 presidents on design restoration projects! The business led them all over the world where Iris bought and collected vintage, antique, and new apparel and accessories that struck her. I first came across the legend when I saw her exhibit at the MET called, Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel in 2005. 
Her collection ranges from $2 plastic 1980′s earrings she bought at the Chelsea Flea Markey, to $10,000 Dior fur coats.
I drooled over pieces of Maison Gripoux glass jewelry I have only seen in books. Thin metal structures create the border of a petal or flower, and transparent glass is poured to fill it in. Owning one of those pieces is definitely on my Bucket List!
Miss Iris has now begun selling copies of some of her famous pieces on the Home Shopping Network. Although it is thrilling to own a piece of her style, I am not typically the type of gal to buy from that sort of vendor, even if I share a zip code with QVC. I have to say though, the pieces look incredible.
My favorite, thus far is this tassel necklace…much easier to afford than a Maison Gripoux piece…