US fashion icon Iris Apfel, on her first visit to Asia, was a special guest at the Landmark shopping centre for its year-long promotion “A Year of Wisdom”.
For the first time in Hong Kong, an exhibition in the Landmark Atrium is showcasing a collection from Apfel’s personal archive. The 95-year-old chose eight outfits for the exhibition, which runs until Sunday.
One highlight is a black silk quilted Krizia jacket from about 1980, featuring large bows running from the neckline to the hem of the sleeve. Another key look is a peacock-feather silk dress by Dolce & Gabbana with oversized puffed sleeves that Apfel has enhanced with pearls and multi-coloured bracelets.
“When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everyone else,” says Apfel. “When I put together my outfits, I make them a little offbeat.”
As well as her archive pieces, the exhibition features items inspired by her style from an edited collection of Landmark tenants including Blanc de Chine, Diane von Fürstenberg and Harvey Nichols.
Panel discussions
During her visit, Apfel took part in two panel discussions. In a forum moderated by former South China Morning Post fashion editor Divia Harilela and attended by 800 Landmark VIPs, she was joined by Carnet Jewellery and Masha Ma co-founder/creative director Michelle Ong.
Self-discovery though style was the theme of the second forum, held in association with the Fashion Farm Foundation and attended by more than 100 fashion designers and students. At Armani/Aqua restaurant, the event was again moderated by Harilela. Apfel was joined on the panel by Professor Robert Meeder from Scad (Savannah College of Art and Design) Hong Kong, artist Sin Sin Man, Injury founder Eugene Leung and Harvey Nichols general merchandising manager Innis Liu.
As well as the exhibition, Landmark offered special items in Apfel style, such as “Designed by Iris Apfel for Landmark” spectacles in vibrant red or severe black. Apfel also worked with young local designers to co-design a range of accessories including the “I Like Individuality” necklace and bracelet by Zoee, made from oversized pieces of coral and stone beads. Other highlights are a phone case from lifestyle brand Glush, inspired by Apfel’s love of parrots.
