Zenni Partners with Eyewear Icon Iris Apfel to Launch “The Iris Apfel Edit”– the First in a Series of Collections with the Soon-to-Be Centenarian
Exclusive to Zenni, the multi-year partnership features an eyewear collection hand-selected by the legendary fashion icon, and her first designed collection dropping later in 2021
NOVATO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Zenni, the online eyewear retail leader, today announced an exclusive Iris X Zenni partnership with larger-than-life style icon, eyewear aficionado and self-proclaimed “geriatric starlet” Iris Apfel. The multi-year partnership kicks off with today’s launch of a head-turning eyewear curation featuring 100 Zenni styles, as she approaches her milestone 100th birthday. The collection was hand-selected by the famed Apfel, bringing her signature style at an affordable price point to people everywhere.
“Iris is one of the most iconic glasses lovers of all-time, most known around the world for her bold look and oversized frames. We couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” said Michelle Ticknor, Head of Lifestyle and Social Impact Partnerships at Zenni. “Iris loves to say, ‘More is more and less is a bore.’ This has been our north star building this first collection with her. Just like Iris, we believe your budget shouldn’t limit your style choices, and this collection makes it possible for our customers to have a very fashion-forward eyewear wardrobe of high-quality, affordable frames.”
This specially curated collection features Zenni frames in Apfel’s favorite eyewear shapes and styles. Creatives and product designers at Zenni worked directly with Apfel, who shared her favorite collected treasures from all over the world – from textiles to jewelry to fine art – to inspire every aspect of “The Iris Apfel Edit.” The 100-piece collection, a nod to her upcoming 100th birthday celebration, is divided into five different categories inspired by Apfel’s originality and fearless style:
- Live Colorfully: Apfel’s vibrant picks for adding head-turning hues to your eyewear wardrobe.
- Signature Style: These bold statement frames shout “Iris” and bring Apfel full circle.
- Structural Design: Wearable art, these metal frames with intricate details draw upon Apfel’s love of architecture.
- Bazaar Treasures: Apfel’s eye for discovering flea market gems informed these rich patterns, textures and vintage vibes.
- Mini Iris: Kids frames inspired by Apfel because she believes that you’re never too young to cultivate personal style.
“I think it’s very important to just be yourself, and not try to look like everybody else. That’s what is so great about this collection — there are so many possibilities and so many unusual and beautiful colorways, you can really transform any outfit,” said Apfel.
The campaign, shot by celebrated fashion photographer Ruven Afanador, went live today. All 100 styles are available to customers on Zenni’s website with prices ranging from $16.95 – $45.95. A second Iris X Zenni eyewear collection designed in partnership with Iris will drop in August, kicking off her Zentennial birthday celebration.
Zenni will also roll out new lenses on Snapchat on May 13 so fans can channel their inner Iris Apfel and try on frames from the collection via augmented reality. To keep up with Iris X Zenni and stay up to date on the fun, visit the blog post and follow along on social @Zennioptical, #IrisXZenni and Iris Apfel’s Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
About Zenni
Zenni pioneered the online eyewear industry in 2003 with a mission to make prescription eyewear affordable and accessible to everyone. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Zenni offers men, women, and children the freedom to express their personal style through high-quality prescription and protective eyewear curated with a sense for fashion and incredible selection. With complete prescription pairs starting at just $6.95, and averaging just over $40, the company has brought massive price disruption to the traditional retail model. With over 35 million frames sold worldwide, a pair of Zennis is owned in every country across the globe. Zenni is proud to be the Official Eyewear of the San Francisco 49ers, Boston Red Sox, Call of Duty League and the Chicago Bulls. For more information, please visit Zenni.com/Press.
About Iris Apfel
Self-described as “the world’s oldest living teenager,” Iris Apfel had made an iconic mark for herself in the elite fashion realm. By trade, Iris spent her career as an interior designer working on design restoration projects, specifically including her work at the white house — crossing nine presidents. At a spry and active 98 years old, Iris released her autobiographical coloring book titled IRIS The Coloring Book, which encapsulates the many years of the fashion darling’s life in sixteen pages of whimsical drawings and witty sayings. Iris also released a book IRIS APFEL: ACCIDENTAL ICON, MUSINGS OF A GERIATRIC STARLET in 2018. Iris currently has a fashion capsule collection on HSN and sells home goods exclusively with Grandin Road. In addition to her exhibits and collections, Iris is a visiting professor at the University of Texas, Austin. Recently at the United Nations’ New York Headquarter, she was awarded the Women Together Special Award at the 12th Annual Women Together Gala. Iris splits her time between NYC and Palm Beach. In 2015, she lost her long-time-love and partner of 67 years, Carl Apfel.
Contacts
Kelly Kenney
zenni@allisonpr.com