Norton Museum of Art Celebrates an American Original
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
On View February 25 - May 27, 2007

West Palm Beach, Fl – The Norton Museum of Art pays tribute to one of America’s—and Palm Beach’s quintessential style icons this spring with the exhibition Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel. Assembled from the personal wardrobe of Iris Apfel, the exhibition is a rare look at a fashion arbiter known for her idiosyncratic ensembles that mix high and low fashion, from haute couture to flea market finds. The installation showcases Apfel’s exuberant and eccentric style, largely based on her individual aesthetics and inspired by her personal environments; her working life in New York City, her home life in Palm Beach, and from travels around the world.

The exhibition is divided into five thematic sections containing a total of 82 "fashion statements" in the form of costume, with cases of jewelry and accessories surrounding the main installation. The costumes in each section relate aesthetically to the suggested environments—five tableaux vivants representing aspects of Apfel’s own life and experience, such as afternoon tea at a Moroccan "Souk". It is a journey through a unique and interesting life narrated by the fashion of Apfel herself and accompanied by the music that inspired her, from exotic tribal beats to American jazz standards.

This exhibition was originally organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It has been adapted for the Norton and expanded with a new introductory installation designed to set the mood as the viewer journeys into the exhibition. Throughout the exhibition, contextual and historical elements reference the life of Iris Apfel and her husband Carl with not only the ensembles and accessories, but also with photographs and text.

Known for her fearless style, Apfel is considered to be one of the most vivacious personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles and interior design. It all began in 1940 when Iris started wearing men’s jeans—tailored to fit, as women’s jeans didn’t exist yet. After attending college in Wisconsin and returning to New York to be an interior designer, she and her husband Carl founded Old World Weavers, an international textile manufacturing company. The exquisite workmanship and intricate designs attracted the sophisticated tastes of the likes of Greta Garbo, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, and Estée Lauder. The couple sold the company to Stark Carpet fourteen years ago, but remain on as consultants. Apfel has also consulted on numerous restoration projects, including the White House.

Companion Book:
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel will be accompanied by a companion book published by Thames & Hudson, created by renowned photographer Eric Boman. Originally from Sweden, Boman has worked for, among others, Vogue, Marie-Claire and Vanity Fair and has collaborated on many books, including Blahnik by Boman: Shoes, Photographs, Conversation about long time friend and shoe designer, Manolo Blahnik.

Lectures:
Iris Apfel, Michael Vollbracht and Roger Ward
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel
Thursday, March 15 and Friday, March 16

In conjunction with the Norton’s installation of the exhibition, Rare Bird of Fashion, Chairman of the Curatorial Department, Roger Ward will lead a discussion with Iris Apfel and Michael Vollbracht about design, fashion and the power of dress.

After graduating from the Parsons School of Design, Vollbracht entered the fashion world as a designer and illustrator. He started his own label for hand-printed silks and is known for his Michael V Swimwear line. After his friend Bill Blass died in 2002, Vollbracht was appointed Artistic Director of the house of Bill Blass.

Iris Accessories:
The Museum Store will be selling the Iris Apfel scarf, designed by Artistic Director of the house of Bill Blass, Michael Vollbracht. The scarf comes in a choice of two spring inspired colors, both featuring a central image of an iris blossom. The size is 36 inches by 36 inches. 100% silk with hand rolled and stitched edges.
The Museum Store will also be selling a large, patent leather brooch in the shape of an iris blossom, designed by Alexis Bittar.

Exhibition Hours:
Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays May through October and on major holidays.)

Visitor Information:
For general information, please call (561) 832-5196

Exhibition Group Tours:
Groups of 15 or more can enjoy a discounted admission price of $10 per person to Rare Bird of Fashion and a one-hour docent led tour. A special lunch menu is available at Café 1451 at the Norton. Group Tours must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. For reservations please contact Vita Maucere at 561.832.5196 extension 1135 or email maucerev@norton.org.

Exhibition Support:
Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel was originally organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; this exhibition was adapted by the Norton Museum of Art for presentation in West Palm Beach.

The companion book for this exhibition is made possible in part through the generosity of Mrs. Beverly Crown and family.

Media Support provided by The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Daily News, and
WXEL 90.7 FM.

The Norton Museum of Art is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. (Closed Mondays from May through October and on major holidays.) General admission is $8 for adults, $3 for visitors ages 13-21, and free for Members and children under 13. West Palm Beach residents receive free admission to the permanent collection every Saturday, with proof of residency. Palm Beach County residents receive free admission to the permanent collection the first Saturday of each month, with proof of residency. An additional charge may apply for special exhibitions. For general information, please call (561) 832-5196