While New York Fashion Week may be known for hosting some of the world’s biggest high-end designers and most spectacular seasonal showcases, tonight the event will play host to an entirely different kind of celebration.
Celebrating the 100th birthday of the inimitable, legendary fashion icon Iris Apfel, H&M is putting on a celebratory party at New York Fashion Week to honour the monumental moment. But as if turning 100 wasn’t enough, Iris has today been revealed to be collaborating with the high street stalwart on a collection.
Said to ‘pay homage’ to the icon’s unique and instantly-recognisable style, the collection is set to launch in selected H&M stores and online in early 2022.
“Style is not about spending a lot of money”, explains Iris. “It’s not about what or who you wear, but how you feel when wearing something. Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.”
“I think H&M is fabulous and they are absolute pioneers in their field – which I love. I love doing high style at affordable prices, which H&M has mastered!”
A business woman, fashion designer, interior designer and all-round style icon, Iris is known and loved for her bold, fearless approach to getting dressed. She is rarely spotted wearing a look that doesn’t instantly make her stand out from a crowd, and it’s this love of carefree fashion that has seen her influence the fashion landscape for decades.
“With this collaboration, we are celebrating a unique and extraordinary woman and her creative and audacious style,” says Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative adviser at H&M.
“Iris epitomises personal style. A style that is both beautifully flamboyant and eclectic as well as being totally ageless. She shows what fashion is all about – a means to express yourself, who you are or want to be and having fun at the same time – a true inspirer!”
“She shows that style is ageless and keeps encouraging people to show who they are with fashion — and to have fun at the same time.”
The collection will, according to H&M, “include a stunning assortment designed for everyone.” It includes both clothing and accessories, and features everything from colourful two-piece sets, floral suits, tiered ruffle dresses and super bright printed pieces.
In other great news, all materials used in this collection are either recycled or sustainably sourced, and every single piece has been made “with circularity in mind”.
Of course, this being Iris, there is a full jewellery line to complement the wardrobe which takes inspiration from her love of layered, statement pieces. we’re told that these accessories pull from many themes, “including plants, animals, and treasures from another world.”
Anyone else already counting down the days?
For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather.