This week’s #WomanCrushWednesday features the talented Iris Barbee Bonner, the fashion designer and artist behind the legendary Philly brand, These Pink Lips!
Women’s History Month is coming to a close but that won’t be slowing down the rising feminist voice of Iris Bonner. Through in-your-face artistic expression that encourages women to embrace their sexuality without apology, this Philly fashion maven is making waves within the design community all over the country. After receiving her Fine Arts degree with a major in Graphic Design from Arcadia University, it wasn’t long until the soft-spoken prodigy began to embrace her artistic freedom that she had been experimenting with since she was a child.
Her brand, These Pink Lips, was introduced to the scene in March of 2012 at the Black Light District showcase and has refused to fade away since. The sexually explicit content of her wearable art (because let’s be honest… it isn’t just clothes, IT IS ART) may force people to become uncomfortable, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Some become intimidated when women begin to embrace the power they have by creating a conversation which emcompasses everything that comes along with being a woman; including being a badass.
The extremely popular online boutique, thesepinklips.com, continues to sell out of affordable favorites like the “PUSSY NOT WAR” and “GOAL DIGGER” t-shirts and accessories; allowing fashionistas of all types (male or female… because men can be feminists, too) to take place in a pop-culture movement that will be around for a long time.
After multiple art galleries throughout Philadelphia and New York City, showings at Philly Fashion Week, and with controversial celebrities like Amber Rose repping the brand, it’s no surprise the iconic Patricia Field (legendary stylist on the series Sex In The City) decided that she had to start carrying These Pink Lips online and in her NYC Boutique. This past weekend, Iris joined other custom art/fashion designers at the Patricia Field ART/FASHION Exhibition at the Howl! Happening Gallery in NYC to preview their pieces and discuss their brands.
It is clear that Iris is only just beginning her journey into pop-culture stardom. Her brand represents so much more than bold colors and a knack for creative flare; it represents a movement, a voice if you will. It allows women to stand up and express themselves in a way that hasn’t been done before by wearing their feelings on their sleeves… literally. The days of the cutesy graphic tees are over. Iris has started a revolution. We are just glad that it started right here in Philadelphia.
If you want to stay connected with Iris Barbee Bonner and her kick-ass brand, These Pink Lips, connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @thesepinklips!
