Fashion aficionados and enthusiasts around the world mourn the loss of the iconic Iris Apfel, the revered “geriatric starlet” whose indomitable spirit and unparalleled knack for style made her an enduring figure in the fashion industry. With her distinctive cropped white hair, oversized glasses, bright lipstick, and chunky beads, Apfel’s unmistakable presence on the fashion scene captivated the imagination of countless admirers.
Born in New York to a Jewish family in 1921, Apfel’s journey began with a fervent passion for art history and a specialization in interior design, particularly in the realm of textiles. Alongside her husband Carl Apfel, she co-owned the esteemed textile manufacturing company, Old World Weavers, and embarked on numerous restoration projects, including several at the White House spanning six U.S. presidencies. Her impeccable eye for textiles and antique fabrics propelled her career, allowing her to cater to high-profile clients such as Estée Lauder and Greta Garbo, thereby solidifying her status as a luminary in her field.
Apfel’s reign of influence extended far beyond her design endeavors, as she became an inspirational figure for countless individuals who found solace in her mantra, “More is more & Less is a Bore.” Her whimsical yet sophisticated approach to fashion and design resonated with a global audience, amassing nearly three million followers on Instagram and captivating over 215,000 fans on TikTok. Her candid insights into fashion and style provided a platform for creative expression and empowerment, capturing the hearts of both seasoned fashion veterans and budding enthusiasts alike.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City dedicated a show to Apfel titled Rara Avis, which translates to “rare bird” in Latin, an exhibition that celebrated her sensational style as “both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.” This pivotal moment marked the formal recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the fashion world, catapulting her into the limelight and firmly establishing her as a revered fashion icon.
Apfel’s relentless pursuit of creativity and innovation led her to collaborate with industry giants, including H&M and Ciaté London, producing collections that were met with overwhelming success. Her wide-ranging impact and artistic prowess were further underscored through her partnership with Ruggable on floor coverings and her line of accessories and jewelry for the US Home Shopping Network, testament to her boundless creativity and versatility within the fashion sphere.
Beyond her professional achievements, Apfel’s personal charisma and unyielding commitment to her craft endeared her to those who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Her agent, Lori Sale, fondly reminisced about Apfel’s insatiable desire to work and her visionary perspective, describing her as a force of nature who possessed a kaleidoscopic view of the world, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary with her magical touch.
In her later years, Apfel continued to defy stereotypes and conventional expectations, embracing the spotlight as Dazed magazine’s oldest cover star at 91 and signing with IMG, one of the world’s premier modeling agencies, at the age of 99. Her unwavering determination to shatter barriers and push the boundaries of the fashion industry exemplified her belief that “variety is the spice of life,” a sentiment she staunchly upheld in the face of societal norms and ageist conventions.
As the news of Apfel’s passing reverberates across the fashion world, her singular legacy endures as a beacon of unbridled creativity, resilience, and unwavering individuality. Iris Apfel’s transformative impact on the world of fashion and design will continue to inspire generations to come, leaving an indelible imprint on the very fabric of the industry she so profoundly shaped. Her spirit will live on through her timeless contributions, serving as a guiding light for all who seek to embrace their unique identity and celebrate the boundless possibilities of self-expression.
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