Iris

Zen...The Power of Now...Engaged....Enlightened Thank you SUNZNC for the narrative, that does in fact, provide what I sense is exactly the point of the movie. No, I haven't seen it yet, still in my queue. I say that because it's obvious to me that your succinct summation of what the film communicates about Iris.

However, context or maybe bettered described as your perspective based on your personal lens.

Maybe because it's the subject matter. IMHO the Fashion Industry is certainly a contrived & brutally narcissistic jungle unto itself. That defines success as the outcome of an aggressive natural selection, survival of the fittest (i.e. competitive) mindset. Summarized in this movie/title "The Devil in Prada" whose captures it perfectly. So yes,it would hard to view Iris through that lens, which defines success in the most superficial of ways.

The point, which we all have heard but few of us embrace, is the concept of doing what you love. Not for fame, ego or money. Just being engaged in life on those very spiritual terms is truly significant. Being actively engaged, motivated by your passion and fully present is what makes those daily pursuits so rewarding.

Not about what she did but who she is.... Luke warm if your concept of excellent means scalding hot.

And more power to her! But this documentary really tells you nothing much about her personal life, how she broke into the 'fashion world' or where she got the money to live the lavish world traveling, collector of things, New York City society lifestyle. I'm thinking it must be her husbands money because it is made clear she came from a 'working class' background.

She developed an eye for color & shape & texture and how to put complementing objects together to create her own fashion style. Unfortunately (for me) I was left with the impression she just created a clownish appearance with great style. You must admit she make a bizarre looking old broad when she's all dolled up in her brick-a-brac collection of fabrics and oversize jewelery.

This documentary is high in color but low on information about this 90 plus years old woman's life.

Forget "The Devil Wears Prada" and "September Issue", this is the story of a woman that lives fully and artfully. She is in tune and educated on trends in fashion, art and the history that stimulates and influences them. Her manner of presenting herself to the world is a celebration of being alive and living in the world for all it's worth. See it, get some tips, ideas and encouragement on emancipating yourself and living to your fullest!

One of the best lines, "I don't like pretty" "Pretty is boring" She goes on to explain that when you're not "Pretty", you must learn something to be able to take care of yourself in life. Also, Iris thinks cosmetic surgery to look younger is ridiculous and can't be bothered, she dignifies aging in women and doesn't apologize for herself. She isn't critical in the Donald Trump "Apprentice" sense, she shares her knowledge and encourages young people to really study and go for what they're interested in. She is Brilliant!

If you've ever seen September Issue and found that interesting you will find this a companion piece to that film. I found myself wondering if Anna Wintour had seen this and what she would think of it. I think she would have found this Luke warm.

Here is a 90 year old woman still going strong, still sharing items she's collected over the years, pieces of clothing, jewelry and accessories. She has no intentions of slowing down. She does interviews, goes to shows showing little signs of tiring. But is this inspirational? Is it fascinating? Not really. Something was lacking here and it isn't her fault. The filmmakers ask a few questions but never dig too deep. Some of the scenes we see here were much more artfully done in Devil Wears Prada and even September Issue itself. This couple traveled the world to buy things and it could have been more interesting had they shared some great stories about the places they had visited. Instead it was just buy this, buy that, spend money on this, spend money on that. It all sort of seemed plastic and not meaningful.

I do indeed appreciate Iris and her taste in fashion and her ability to go on at 90. But what was it all for? There is no deadline, no assignment. What was her job specifically? And for how long? It's all a bit vague and becomes tiring.

IRIS –The story of clothing collector Iris Apfel. Be yourself. Do your own thing. With her trademark HUGE black, round glasses, Iris works her way through stores, shows, and her own closet. The only child of a Jewish couple from NYC, she studied art history, ran her own textile company, and even did several white-house make-overs. She sure does like big, giant bangles, necklaces! it's amazing she can stand up with all those heavy necklaces that she wears through most of the film. It's kind of fun watching her toddle along, bartering hardcore with shop-keepers. Iris is TOTALLY photogenic, and loves to talk, so it must have been a pretty easy project to do. She's a collector (Hoarder ?) and has had her own exhibits of her collections of clothes and jewelry. Directed by Albert Maysles, who did TONS of documentaries. He passed away March of 2015, and I see they are still editing his latest two works to release at some point. I see there is no "written by" credit on this one, so Iris must have done most of the gabbing herself. Quite a fun film to watch. Very upbeat. Catch it on netflix. It's one big long run-on sentence, but it's still fun to watch. Kind of makes one wonder what one has accomplished in one's own life. Inspiring.