Fashion legend Iris Apfel, aka the "Geriatric Starlet," is a traveling professor and curator of UT in NYC, where she gives students an amazing opportunity to experience the fashion world. The sales of IRIS The Coloring Book help to raise funds for a year conference and life-changing experience.
The Icon Iris Apfel
Iris Apfel is known as a "Geriatric Starlet." Apfel cofounded Old World Weavers, a textile manufacturing company that specializes in the reproduction of antique fabrics for her elite customers. Apfel sells Rara Avis, a line of costume jewelry, clothing, and other accessories, on the Home Shopping Network. Albert Maysles won an award for his feature Iris on the life of Iris Apfel.
At 99 years old, Apfel is also a visiting professor at The University of Texas at Austin, where she created, curated, and leads UT in NYC.
UT in NYC
UT in NYC is a program for students a part of UT Austin's Division of Textiles and Apparel. Within the program, Professor Apfel introduces a group of students to designers and cultural institutions. Apfel teaches her students about every aspect of the fashion world from production to publishing, licensing, design, and more.
The Program Director of UT in NYC, Nancy Prideaux, says,
"Our students call their experience with Iris 'life-changing'. It opens their eyes to the breadth of the fashion industry and which path might be theirs. One-on-one interaction with Iris gives them a chance to ask her questions, soak up her wisdom and enjoy her sense of fun!"
Coloring Book Fundraiser
The flamboyant patterned and gold foil-embossed covered coloring book features drawings and sayings, along with sixteen pages featuring the life-changing moments of Iris's journey in the fashion world.
Apfel speaks of the coloring book saying,
"I think our coloring book has enormous appeal, especially right now. Everyone has been stuck inside all spring and nothing lifts spirits like creativity. I want people to have fun with this book, color the pages freely and make it their own. We all need this right now!"
Book sales fund travel scholarships for students a part of the UT in NYC program, where students spend a week with Apfel in Manhattan gaining firsthand experience in the fashion world. The next trip is planned for summer 2021.
The coloring book goes on sale for $45 plus tax. If you are interested in purchasing the coloring book, check out University of Texas's The University Coop.
