Postcards in the Air : BIRDS OF MANY COLORS

Friday, April 10, 2026

BIRDS OF MANY COLORS

Do you remember photos of the New Yorker Iris Apfel with her big, black glasses and extravagantly colored outfits? Ms. Apfel was a legendary NYC fashionista, a word that describes someone who takes careful interest in their appearance and has the money to afford the clothes they desire to wear. She died at the age of 103 leaving behind an astounding collection of clothing, jewelry, shoes, and furniture that eventually the auction house Christie's sold. Apfel is a part of a group of women that I think make an impression on our culture for their clothing choices and sense of style.

The first page of an A to Z sketchbook

In the 1960's, Twiggy, a British model, splashed across the pages of fashion magazines in her short skirts and dresses, tall boots, heavily made-up eyes, and thinness. She changed the style for many young women at the time. In San Francisco, the twins, Marian and Vivian Brown, walked around town arm in arm, enjoying the attention they received for their matching outfits and lifestyle.

When we lived in Tokyo, natural, neutral colors fit in with the cityscape, except in Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shinjuku, where young people's fashions reigned. Except for teenagers, women tend to dress differently in the suburbs and the cities. When we came back to Danville, I felt out of place in my black city attire.

Young woman in Harajuku, Tokyo

After moving to San Francisco two years ago, I've noticed a change in fashion. Full-legged pants sprouted on every street replacing the workout gear and tight leggings that women had been wearing. Guys, though, still seem to be strolling in tight jeans or in sweatpants. No statement there.

Airports and parks are great places to observe people

Portland, Oregon, is full of people and other things to draw

I try to capture some of the people who I see around town in my sketchbook. I remember visits to the city growing up. Back then, everyone dressed up, including wearing gloves and hats, to spend a special day in the city. Now, when I see men in suits, I wonder what business they are in. Lawyer? Bankers? Real Estate agents? Politicians? People who deal with the public? The tech-bro look is evident everywhere. When Bill and I go for lunch during the week, we marvel at the techie groups walking together for their lunch hour. They remind me of the flocks of pigeons on the Embarcadero that congregate in groups, following each other arouond, and flying off in unison.

On Sunday, Bill and I were having coffee when we noticed a man in a clown suit with a bright red ball on his nose sitting across the street. We wondered if he was the entertainment for the day somewhere. He became another person to add to my sketchbook. On trips to San Francisco's Museum of Modern Art, I'm delighted to see people dressed up as if they were part of the abstract art on display.