“Fashion you can buy,

But style you possess.” – Iris Apfel

Two weeks ago, Iris Apfel was in Paris during Paris Fashion Week 2016 to open a pop-up exhibition and shop at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche dedicated to her fashion style. The 94-year-old New Yorker is well known for her unique sense of style, from her use of bright colours to her embrace of non-Western clothing and accessories.

Each of the ten window displays features carefully selected clothing and accessories by Iris Apfel for various activities in Paris, such as what to wear to the opera, to the cafe, or even to go vintage shopping at the Marché aux Puces. The shop includes some of the accessories worn by the mannequins, such as the iconic oval sunglasses, large black and red beaded necklaces, and large bangles, also in black and red. Prices for every item range from affordable (a mug costs 12-15€) to high-end (a pair of sunglasses are 300€).

Those interested in the exhibit have one month to visit as it ends on 16 April 2016. The exhibition is located on the ground floor.

Le Bon Marché was Paris’ first modern department store. In fact, BBC’s The Paradise was based on a novel written about LBM by Émile Zola.

Upon my return to London, I watched a 2015 documentary on Iris which inspired me to choose more colour in my life and to learn about the value of manmade clothing, accessories, and paintings (particularly when it comes to deciding when and how to bargain). Iris represents confidence, individuality, appreciation, and joy.

Lastly, remember this:

“If you make a mistake in what you put together, the fashion police are not going to haul you into jail.”

May her wise words give you the confidence to let go and be you!