Iris Apfel: Zenni’s Weekend With The Style EYEcon

Iris x Zenni Behind the Scenes

Iris Apfel. Google search her name and terms like style icon, legendary tastemaker, dynamic personality, and sartorial superstar all appear. To put it lightly, Iris is a BIG deal. She’s known for her incomparable style, bold accessories, signature glasses, energetic disposition, and love of individuality. Basically, Iris is the best friend/fairy godmother/life coach we all want to around us.

The entire Zenni team was buzzing when word spread that we were doing an eyewear collaboration with the woman who put glasses on the fashion map. To celebrate her 100th birthday, which we have dubbed her Zentennial year, Iris hand picked her top 100 favorite Zenni frames to curate a collection that helps people show off their individuality.

Everyone at Zenni couldn’t wait to hear about Iris- we were all checking in with each other throughout the weekend. So what is Iris really like in person? Magical.

How was Iris?!?!?! Amazing. Magical. I can not wait for all of the details over wine. Is she as great as she seems? She is sharp and woke! I can only imagine. I feel like she sparkles.

Iris X Zenni Photobook

Iris loves to say, ‘More is more and less is a bore.’ Both this new collection, and Iris, are definitely not a bore. We thought it would be fun to take you behind the scenes and show you some candid pictures from Zenni’s weekend shoot with Iris. Enjoy!

Iris, with Dilyara from our merchandising team, personally chose her top 100 favorite Zenni frames to be included in the Iris x Zenni Collection.

Woman showing off a collection of colorful bracelets.“I think glasses are a great accessory. You can either begin with them or finish with them, depending on what the outfit is.”

Just a few of Iris’ favorite Zennis… see all of her picks here.

Display box of various colorful sunglasses, including red, teal, amber, blue, and multi-colored frames.“If I’m going to wear glasses, I’m going to wear GLASSES.”

Fun fact: a lot of the “props” used on set were pieces from Iris’ home!

Elderly person with white hair and large glasses wears layered jewelry, a red outfit, and sits next to a colorful monkey doll.“I’m a great believer in accessories. Yes. My mother taught me that. I always say she worshiped at the altar of the accessory.”

Iris with the stuffed bear that the Zenni team styled for her. She liked it so much she asked if he could be included in some of the pictures.

Two women sitting at a table with jewelry boxes, one holding a teddy bear, being filmed by a cameraman.“Thank you, he’s beautiful. I like a man that wears jewelry.”

A night owl, Iris and the team shot into the late hours of the night.

Elderly individual with white hair and glasses wearing a black and white patterned outfit, posing for a photo.“What about the polka dot? They are such fun!”

An outfit change, and Iris is back in front of the camera.

A photo editing screen displaying a woman wearing bright blue fur, jewelry, and oversized glasses.“Oh, I’m so excited. Everything’s so beautiful. I can’t believe the prices.”

And that’s a wrap. Time to pack it all up and head home.

Want more Iris? Watch our video introducing the Iris x Zenni eyewear collection.