Iris (2014)

A documentary about fashion icon Iris Apfel, the 93-year-old style maven who has had an out-sized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades, from legendary late 88-year-old documentary filmmaker Albert Maysles.

Director:

Albert Maysles

Stars:

Carl Apfel, Harold Koda, Dries Van Noten

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Carl Apfel	...	Self
Harold Koda	...	Self
Dries Van Noten	...	Self
Inez Bailey	...	Self
Bruce Weber	...	Self
Iris Apfel	...	Self
Duro Olowu	...	Self
Margaret Russell	...	Self
Billy Apfel	...	Self
Alexis Bittar	...	Self
Naeem Khan	...	Self
Jenna Lyons	...	Self
Mickey Boardman	...	Self
Linda Fargo	...	Self
David Hoey	...	Self

Storyline

IRIS pairs the 87-year-old Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even at Iris' advanced age, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life's sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment. Despite the abundance of glamour in her current life, she continues to embrace the values and work ethic established during a middle-class Queens upbringing during the Great Depression. I feel lucky to be working. If you're lucky enough to do something you love, everything else follows.

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Plot Keywords:

fashion show | fashion institute of technology | flamboyant | little black dress | makeover | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG - 13 for some strong language

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into P.O.V.: Iris (2016)

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Soundtracks

The Big Apple
Performed by Klein & MBO
Produced by Tony Carrasco

User Reviews

A bit vague, a bit empty.

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.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official Site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 2015 (USA)

Also Known As:

Айрис

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$57,254, 3 May 2015

Gross USA:

$1,310,678

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,620,708

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

79 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1