Explore the extraordinary life and legacy of style icon Iris Apfel, a trailblazer in fashion and design. Learn more now.
Iris Apfel: A Life Lived with Unapologetic Style
Iris Apfel, the legendary style icon, interior designer, and entrepreneur, passed away at the age of 102 in Palm Beach. Her life was a testament to creativity, individuality, and the timeless pursuit of beauty. Born Iris Barrel in 1921, she grew up in Queens, New York, where her passion for art and fashion began to take shape.
Early Years and Career Beginnings
Apfel’s journey into the world of fashion and design started with her upbringing in a creative household. Her father, a successful small business owner, instilled in her a love for art and craftsmanship. After studying art and art history, she embarked on a career as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily, where she honed her keen eye for style and trends.
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Entrepreneurial Spirit
In 1950, Iris Apfel and her husband Carl founded their textile and fabric reproduction business. Their company quickly gained recognition for its exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. Over the years, they worked on numerous prestigious projects, including the restoration of the White House under nine different presidents, from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.
Distinctive Style and Charisma
Apfel’s personal style became synonymous with boldness, creativity, and individuality. She embraced her love for accessories, adorning herself with layers of bracelets, necklaces, and her trademark oversized glasses. Her eclectic ensembles reflected her fearless approach to fashion and her belief that style knows no age limits.
Late-in-Life Fashion Icon
Despite entering the world of fashion modeling at the age of 97, Iris Apfel quickly became a trailblazer in the industry. Represented by IMG, one of the top modeling agencies, she graced the pages of Vogue Italia, collaborated with renowned brands like Kate Spade and M.A.C, and even had a Barbie doll made in her likeness by Mattel. Her unapologetic approach to style inspired people of all ages to embrace their uniqueness and express themselves through fashion.
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Recognition and Legacy
Apfel’s contributions to the world of fashion and design were celebrated with numerous accolades and honors. In 2005, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art held a retrospective exhibition titled “Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel,” making her the first living non-fashion designer to be featured at the museum. Her autobiography, “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon,” published in 2018, offered readers a glimpse into her extraordinary life and unparalleled sense of style.
Impact and Influence
Throughout her career, Iris Apfel remained dedicated to empowering women and challenging traditional notions of beauty and style. Her message of self-expression and confidence resonated with people around the world, inspiring them to embrace their individuality and celebrate their uniqueness. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations of designers, artists, and fashion enthusiasts to push boundaries and redefine the meaning of beauty.
A Lasting Legacy
Iris Apfel’s passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on through her timeless designs, iconic style, and unwavering spirit. She leaves behind a world forever changed by her creativity, passion, and commitment to living life to the fullest. As we remember her remarkable journey, let us honor her memory by embracing our own uniqueness and fearlessly pursuing our dreams, just as Iris Apfel did until the very end.