At Small World Miniatures, we remember the incomparable Iris Apfel, the nonagenarian style maven whose exuberant ethos “more is more and less is a bore” revolutionized our understanding of fashion. This meticulously crafted diorama of a fashion design studio captures the essence of Iris’s vibrant style, replete with bold textures, an explosion of colors, and an array of eclectic accessories that defy the mundane.
The diorama is a composition of various mediums, reflecting Iris’s layered approach to design. Polymer clay for the flamboyant jewelry pieces, fine fabrics for the draping on mannequins, and hand-painted details on tiny furniture. The model is a masterclass in mixed media, with elements carefully chosen to represent Iris’s love for blending haute couture with flea market finds.
Creating a similar model requires an eye for detail and an open heart for color. Begin with a vision board of Iris’s most iconic looks for inspiration, use a variety of materials to create the wardrobe, and don’t forget the signature oversized glasses—perhaps crafted from small loops of wire.
Iris Apfel’s impact on fashion and interior design is indelible. Her fearless mix of high and low, old and new, made her a beacon for creative spirits everywhere. Architects and designers like Tony Duquette and Jonathan Adler have similarly embraced maximalism with open arms, creating spaces and pieces that are bold and unapologetic.
For those seeking to channel Iris’s creative spirit in their own miniatures, remember her advice: “If you put something together and it doesn’t look so good, the fashion police are not going to come and take you away. And if they do, you might have some fun in jail.”
Comments