First Friday Interview: Iris ‘Barbee’ Bonner, These Pink Lips

Philadelphia artist, Iris Barbee Bonner is the founder of “ThesePinkLips.” Through her artwork and fashion line, Iris empowers women to be sexy, strong, beautiful, and comfortable with her femininity and power. She’s well-known for her big hair, and even bigger personality, as she creates her very own artistic language. There is truly nothing like Iris’ brand! All of us at Philly PR Girl are huge fans so we were so excited when she agreed to do this interview!

PPRG: Tell us more about your brand, “These Pink Lips.” Where did the name originate?

TPL: I originally wanted to name my brand “Pussy,” but my friend told me no one would be able to market me that way. I wasn’t thinking about it that way back then. Since I always wore pink lipstick, my friend and I thought of ‘the pink lip’ and then ended on ‘thesepinklips’ and it stuck.

PPRG: So we want to know, how did you start from producing canvases and shoes to applying your designs on clothing?

TPL: I get bored easily, so I’m always looking for new things to do and paint on. I just painted a shirt for myself then would do it for my friends and people would ask me to paint on their clothes. I haven’t looked back since.

PPRG: Share with us your process of debuting These Pink Lips in 2012 to your success today? Did you ever imagine music artist sensations like Cardi B, Alicia Keys, Missy Elliot and Pink would be supporters of your fashion line?

TPL: My process has always been very organic. I just go with the flow. It was never about me getting celebs in the pieces I was creating. I always created things I loved, wanted to wear myself, or didn’t see anywhere else. Art was and still is something I enjoy and a way for me to express myself. My art is real and I think it speaks to powerful women—that’s what my brand promotes. I’m honored to have strong women in my brand! I always knew when I was a child that my art would take me some place great. I really couldn’t see myself doing anything else. It’s been a long, hard journey and I’m still not where I want to be but I love the journey!

PPRG: Where do you find inspiration for your empowering feminine brand?

TPL: I find inspiration everywhere! It could be a bad mood… good mood, the weather, music, fashion, myself, my friends, family, traveling, movies, food, I’m inspired the minute I open my eyes.

PPRG: With a goal to instill confidence in women through pop culture designs, have you always been a confident woman growing up? Where do you find your confidence?

TPL: I wouldn’t say I wasn’t confident but I used to be super shy! Art helped me with my confidence a lot and helped me come out of my shell to be the person I am today!  

PPRG: As a self- proclaimed “goal digger,” where does the name “Barbee” come from in your name?

TPL: I was adopted as a baby and my original last name was Barbee. Since I didn’t have a middle name, my mom kept Barbee and made it my middle name.

PPRG: With your team only consisting of you and your family, how do you do it all?  

TPL: Friends and family… But, how do I do it?… God! I’m currently looking to put together a more solid team so they can help me with regular day- to- day tasks so I can focus more on painting and being creative.

PPRG: Have you faced challenges and criticism for your explicit clothing? How have you pushed past any obstacles?

TPL: Of course! I remember people saying you won’t get anywhere with what you do or I could never see her in Macy’s or Target. I laugh because my clothes are in Bergdorf Goodman on 5th Ave in the window next to Gucci. I don’t let what people say get to me. My art isn’t for everyone — I’m not for everyone. I just continue to be myself, stay focused and do it for me, my family and those who believe in me.

PPRG: We’re dying to share with everyone… How can we get our hands on These Pink Lips merchandise?

TPL: You can shop online thesepinklips.com , Patricia Field online and inside her gallery in New York https://patriciafield.com/collections/thesepinklips (200 East Broadway , suite 3D New York, NY 10002) and Bergdorf Goodman 5th ave.

PPRG: As a Philadelphia native, what do you love best about the city? When you’re not in full design mode, where can people find you? What are some of your favorite spots?

TPL: I love Philly! It’s like a big melting pop of creative talented people. A lot of great things to do and a lot of great food to eat! Philly’s a big city but we are like a small town where everyone knows each other. Some of my favorite spots are Graffiti Bar, Maison 208, El Vez, The Saint, Spin, Kelly Drive, Sketch Burger, Bobby’s Burger, Whiskey Village, Voyeur, Blick, Spruce St. Harbor in the summer, Opa, Clock Bar (I love their pink pussys!!!!) Silk City. Plus, Philly has a lot of amazing beer gardens. I like any place I can get a drink outside with an amazing view.

PPRG: What advice do you have for young designers working to make a name for themselves in the industry?

TPL: Work hard, stay focused and to always be yourself!

Stay up to date with Iris by following These Pink Lips on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.  She’s a good follow, trust us!