94-year-old socialite and legendary fabul-oddity Iris Apfel has been inspired to explore her wardrobe by the Tate's new Matisse exhibition.

In a film for the gallery, Apfel creates ensembles based around some of his best known cut-out works from the show in a fashion homage to the artist she sees as vital to the aesthetics of everyday. She even coins the word 'Matisse-y', which is clearly one to bring out the next time you go shopping.

'I like to mix everything up,' she says of her inimitable style, which combines primary colours, thousands of bangles and oversized glasses, 'and hopefully my love then binds it together.'

This is one of the best descriptions of getting dressed we have ever heard. What better wardrobe ethic to live by?

In the film, Apfel imitates what she calls the 'subdued brights' and 'tonality' of Matisse paintings with a tomato red Dior cape (from when the man himself was in charge, it's worth hazarding a guess) and vintage Versace shirt and trousers.

'It's impossible not to be influenced [by Matisse],' she declares, dripping with bracelets and colourful curios. 'We can't live without colour. The world is so grey nowadays, we need it more than ever.'

 

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