At 94, Iris Apfel leaves most people a quarter of her age in the dust. Not only is she so stylish it feels like we need a new language to describe her, but she’s also very much on the front foot when it comes to fashion’s relationship with technology. Earlier this year the self-described “geriatric starlet” teamed up with wearable-tech brand WiseWear to create a collection of “smart jewelry” that could send out a distress signal as well as count your steps. Now, she is taking things a step further by literally becoming an emoji.
The venture is part of a collaboration between the icon and Macy’s INC International Concepts. They’re working together to create a 40-piece Mod-themed fashion and accessories collection called Iris Meets INC. To celebrate, they’re releasing an Iris emoji keyboard in September. There is no word yet about specifics, but no doubt there will be some oversized glasses and jewelry in the mix.
Interestingly Iris doesn’t actually have an Instagram or Snapchat account, and recently told Fashionistashe personally thinks emojis are silly. Although she did admit having your likeness immortalized in internet ideograms isn’t “the most awful thing,” adding that using emojis with her face on them is at least better than using heroin. Good to see she’s not letting the excitement get to her.
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Text Wendy Syfret
Image via Vimeo