Self-described “geriatric starlet” Iris Apfel is always on top of (or, more often, ahead of) the trends, even when she’s not quite sure what the trends are. Case in point: Once the subject of a 2005 exhibition entitled Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute and, more recently, that of an Albert Maysles-directed documentary, the fashion icon is now the star of her own emoji keyboard.
Image: Macy’s
Yes, much like fans of Kim Kardashian and Amber Rose, Iris Apfel devotees can now augment their written conversations with cartoon versions, quotes and defining symbols of their beloved pop culture icon. The keyboard, designed in collaboration with Snaps, a mobile message marketing platform that has also worked with brands like Dove and Starbucks, is at its heart a tool to promote the launch of Apfel’s upcoming 60s-inspired line for Macy’s I.N.C.
The range will feature Sixities Mod styles like floral flare-legged pants, shift dresses, suede patchwork A-line skirts and snakeskin print trenchcoats. Priced between $49.50 and $199.50, the affordable, age-appropriate collection will hit Macy’s stores and site in September. “The only thing off-limits are the miniskirts and very sleeveless pieces, which I think expose too much for an older woman. Otherwise, it’s very versatile, all kind of mix-and-match,” said the soon-to-be 95-year-old style muse of her line.
Iris admits that, for the most part, she was more of a curator than a designer when it came to realizing the Macy’s collaboration, however, when it came to the jewelry she took a decidedly more hands-on approach. “I didn’t like the jewelry [they’d designed] at all and I made suggestions,” she told Fashionista. “I was much more involved in the design of the jewelry than with anything else.” Seems fitting — in Maysles’ film we learn the New York native is very particular about her bracelet purchases and, as an accessories seller on the Home Shopping Network, it’s clear Iris knows her stuff.
Regarding the emojis (referred to as INCmojis, not Irismojis, on the App Store — a tragic oversight if you ask us), Iris is fairly indifferent: “It was a little strange to see all these cartoon versions of my face, but I suppose it’s generational,” she said, adding, “If my cartoon face makes people happy, then why not?”
Download your collection of Iris-inspired emojis, stickers and GIFs here, for free, immediately.
[ via Mic ]
