On July 30, J.Crew held an exclusive evening in London, in celebration of IRIS — a fashion documentary by Albert Maysles on the life of Iris Apfel.

The film provides insight into the life of the stylish, quirky and quick-witted 93-year old New Yorker and fashion icon, known for her trademark dark, circular glasses and oversized accessories.

Following a private screening at Picturehouse Central, the Regent Street store hosted cocktails and a Q & A with Iris and moderator Caroline Issa. The questions touched on her personal life, including the success of her marriage and love for husband Carl, upbringing in middle-class Queens, her latest career ventures (including a new book for a younger audience) and, of course, the fashion industry and personal style.

The audience was left inspired by her free spirit, creativity and openness. A legend, indeed, and I was so glad to have gotten the opportunity to see her speaking.

The eponymous Iris Apfel, known for her costume jewelry and quirky style, states in the trailer of her film, “I didn’t give a damn about going to the party or being at the party, it was getting dressed for the party. And there’s truth and poetry in that.”

Below are some of my favourite quotes from the event:

On style

“Fashion you can learn but style is inherent.”
“Although you still have to work at it, there’s no free lunch.”

On marriage

“The key (to a successful marriage) is a sense of humour — you need to laugh at yourself and not take everything so seriously…”
“The only space Carl has to give is the closet!”

On the fashion industry

“Fashion is not just a runway model … fashion is a big umbrella.”

On any shopping regrets

“Always ones that get away; but can’t cry about them, as something else always appears.”