Iris Apfel, the celebrated interior designer, entrepreneur, and late-in-life fashion model, passed away at the age of 102 in Palm Beach. Born Iris Barrel in 1921 in Queens, New York, she had a remarkable journey filled with creativity and charisma.

Early Life and Career

Apfel studied art and art history before venturing into a career as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily. Alongside her husband Carl, she founded a textile business in 1950, overseeing White House restoration projects for nine presidents, including Harry Truman and Bill Clinton.

Fashion Icon and Legacy

Known for her unique style with bold accessories and iconic glasses, Apfel became a fashion celebrity in her later years, earning the title of a “geriatric starlet.” Her influence extended beyond fashion, as she ventured into teaching, documentary filmmaking, and professional modeling.

Recognition and Impact

Apfel’s contributions were recognized with a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005 and the publication of her autobiography, “Accidental Icon,” in 2018. She inspired many with her individuality and unapologetic approach to style, leaving a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

Remembering Iris Apfel

Described as a visionary with a unique perspective, Apfel’s artistic eye and unconventional elegance captivated audiences worldwide. Her legacy as a beacon of self-expression and empowerment continues to inspire women of all ages to embrace their individuality and shine brightly.

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Richard Plaud, a Frenchman who spent years constructing a replica of the Eiffel Tower using over 700,000 matchsticks, has finally been recognized by Guinness World Records as the record-holder for the tallest matchstick sculpture. Plaud’s 1:45 scale model stands at a height of 7.19 meters (approximately 23.5 feet).

Initial Rejection and Reversal

Initially, Guinness World Records rejected Plaud’s model, stating that the materials he used were not the same as those used by other record contenders. The organization claimed that Plaud’s matchsticks, sourced directly from a French company, lacked the flammable tip typically found on standard matchsticks. However, after a review, Guinness World Records reversed their decision, admitting that they had been too strict in their application of the rules.

Unveiling and Validation

Last month, Plaud unveiled his completed Eiffel Tower replica to a large crowd. To validate the structure, Plaud enlisted the help of the survey firm AGT. The event was captured in a video, showcasing the intricate details of Plaud’s masterpiece.

Controversy and Resolution

The controversy surrounding Plaud’s model centered around the materials he used. In an effort to save time and prevent waste, Plaud opted for matchsticks without a sulfur-based flammable tip. This decision initially led to Guinness World Records rejecting his bid for the record. However, the organization has now updated its rules to allow matchstick sculptures to be snipped and shaped as the artist sees fit, leading to Plaud being officially recognized as the record-holder.

Congratulations and Recognition

Guinness World Records has expressed regret for the distress caused to Plaud during the certification process and has congratulated him on his impressive structure. Plaud, who has been documenting his progress on social media, can now proudly hold the title of the tallest matchstick sculpture in the world.

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The original 1928 script for Disney’s Steamboat Willie, the first cartoon to star Mickey Mouse, will enter the public domain on Jan. 1, 2024. However, the Mickey Mouse in this early film is quite different from the beloved character we know today. He is mischievous, rough, and has roots in the blackface minstrel shows of the time. While the appearance of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie will be available for creative reuse, newer versions of the character will remain under copyright.

What Goes into the Public Domain?

Kembrew McLeod, a communications professor and intellectual property scholar, clarifies that only the specific appearance of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie will enter the public domain. This means that people can only creatively reuse this version of Mickey Mouse, and not the character as depicted in later films like Fantasia or the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse TV show.

The Role of Copyright and Trademark Law

Copyright law protects creative works such as characters, movies, books, and songs. Trademark law, on the other hand, protects brands, logos, and names. Mickey Mouse is not only copyrighted but also trademarked, allowing Disney to maintain control over the character. Trademark protection does not have an expiration date as long as the mark remains distinctive in the supply of goods and services.

Limitations and Enforcement

While people will still be able to incorporate clips of Steamboat Willie in art projects or use frames from the movie on merchandise, they need to be cautious of trademark infringement. Disney has a history of aggressively defending its intellectual property. The company can use trademark law to assert its ownership if someone infringes on the trademark or dilutes its value through unauthorized use.

The Future of the Public Domain

Copyright scholars like Jennifer Jenkins express concerns about the undermining of the public domain by allowing trademark law to extend the life of copyrighted works. They hope that Congress or the courts will restore the balance between protecting creativity and preserving the public domain. Copyright extensions may benefit corporations, but they limit cultural conversations and hinder artistic and technological progress.

While Steamboat Willie may not hold significant value in 2024, it remains an important piece of Disney’s history. The company has shifted its focus from copyright and trademark lawsuits to combating online piracy in recent years. As the public domain expands, it is essential to navigate the boundaries of creative reuse while respecting intellectual property rights.

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