A show of fashion ...

Anticipating Iris at the Peabody Essex Museum ...

Here are my paparazzi shots from the Iris Apfel event at the Peabody Essex Museum last Friday night. Since photography is not allowed in the actual exhibit (which was five rooms of fabulous!) I hope these glimpses of glamour satisfy those of you who enjoy people watching. And for some cool snapshots and interesting background information on Iris and her well-traveled life, take a look at the PEM video/interview.




I created this polyvore set to illustrate Iris’ design philosophy (or a day in the life – take note of all the accessories!) Iris is a master at combining equal parts haute couture with unique flea market finds, while referencing the amazing designer fabrics and trims that one might find on the pages of a glossy interior design magazine (the ones that are still in publication, that is). Her fearless use of vibrant colors and bold patterns is truly inspiring.


The irreverent Iris Barrel Apfel and I after the show.
This high contrast black-and-white jacket is actually sold at
the PEM shop. “Fuzzy dice as design accessory” from
Salem vintage fashion boutique Modern Millie.

I have to say, the crowd was dressed-to-the-nines ... I almost felt conservative in my black blazer, silk top and dark denim jeans — at least I had my smiley-face-yellow ruffled handbag with me! This exhibit is all about dressing with creative confidence (think “butterfly” as opposed to “caterpillar”) so if (or I should say “when” ; ) you make it to the PEM, feel free to put on your best dress, your blingiest-baubles, killer heels, and most outrageous accessories.


Stylish hats (and handbags) were everywhere ... I just wished we hadn’t reserved our seats behind this model-tall member of the audience (although I must admit her beret was tres chic)!


Love the haircut. Love the outfit.


Nicely done ... chignon and chinoisserie.


More members of the
well-dressed crowd.


Lauren Beesley was striking in this
feather headband by Tracy Vest.


Lisa Langone models some of her favorite fashion finds.
Her black feather bag – discovered at a vintage shop
in Boston – started many conversations.



Carrie Cabot looked fab in this fuchsia dress
from Modern Millie and faux fur hat
from her grandmother. Shawl was
purchased on ebay for her fall wedding
(congrats on that anniversary!)



The crowd was treated to a lively conversation between Iris and fashion designer/artist, Michael Vollbracht. Above, one of Michael’s most requested dresses. The two discussed tips on dressing age appropriate and also dressing without reservation (an interesting contradiction!) The final verdict was to celebrate life, the body you are in, and to have fun ... this is fashion, folks, so enjoy the show!


The little black dress gets dressed up.


Exquisite embroidered details on a Michael Vollbracht
designed dress – happily worn by a PEM model.


I want this coat! Modern Millie is auctioning fashion pieces
from the runway show online. Shall I place my bid?



FYI: If you go to a fashion show, pick a seat next to the open center aisle for the best view. Have I learned nothing from watching season after season of Project Runway, Gossip Girl and Housewives of New York??? The models were confidently gorgeous and their hair and makeup sparkled (sorry I can’t illustrate it with better pictures – next time!)


The final act ... all the models wore Iris-inspired specs.



Thanks for a great evening of fashion!

The talented director behind the runway show ...
Christine Robidoux, owner of Modern Millie.

– check her blog for more “peek-tures” –


Own it girls!

Buy it for yourself
at Modern Millie or
at the PEM shop ...


I love this illustration.


What Iris wore.


Remember these?? This handbag by Couture Planet
features press coverage from the show.

Put this darling on my wish list.

More of my favorite new design trends.

Sweet.

Bold colors and beading
... very Iris-like.

“Dress gives you the opportunity to express yourself – who you are, who you think you are or who you want to be.”

– Iris Apfel

Rare Bird of Fashion:
The Irreverent Iris Apfel
at the Peabody Essex Museum
now through Feb. 7, 2010

Style at the Stevens Estate

Garden Party at the Stevens Estate in North Andover

I was just visiting one of my favorite design blogs, Elements of Style which is written by the talented (and humorous) Boston-based designer Erin Gates. For today’s “Fashion Friday” entry, she notes that hot pink is one of the “hottest new trends” and posts some gorgeous pics to illustrate and inspire. Well I am glad to know that when I pulled out my peony-pink skirt last week (I bought it 5 years ago, but have always loved the designer-detail of its construction) that I was on the cutting edge of fashion as I attended an old-fashioned garden party ...

As this year’s program director for the Village Garden Club of Lynnfield, I booked the Stevens Estate Special Events & Conference Center in North Andover for our year-end event – a light and delicious catered meal set up outside this historical mansion (I am on the team of designers who are “adding sparkle” to this beautiful event property.)

Original rendering of the Stevens Estate by
Boston architects Hartwell & Richardson


Most of us wore hats (not quite Kentucky Derby, more garden inspired) ...




and the 20-or-so members from the club were able to enjoy each other’s company while sitting outside the veranda,


later touring the amazing architecture inside,

(Can't you just picture a bride – or the lady of the mansion –
floating down these stairs to greet her awaiting guests?)

then chatting over dessert and coffee while sitting beside original marble fireplaces in the intimate setting of the oak double parlors.



We had the entire estate to ourselves, and even though it can accommodate much larger parties, it felt cozy in an awe-inspiring way. Whenever I travel up the long, curvy drive that leads to the estate, I feel like I have “arrived” ... almost as if I had lived back in the day (the mansion was built in 1886 for Charlotte and Moses Stevens, one of the founding families of North Andover and owners of a prosperous textile mill).

Check back for more posts that highlight the design updates we will be making to the estate. To book a tour or to inquire about scheduling your next event, contact the estate manager, Laura Gifford. The Stevens Estate is a hidden historical treasure that brings one back to the times when entertaining at home was grand-scale, dressed-up and high-style.




Email: thestevensestate@verizon.net
723 Osgood Street
North Andover, MA 01845
Phone: 978-682-7072