Iris Apfel, an emblematic figure within the sartorial realm, renowned for her distinctive oversized spectacles that became a signature part of her ensemble, passed away at the venerable age of 102, as confirmed by her Instagram account. Hailing from the borough of Queens in New York, Apfel was a paragon of eccentric style and vivacity, transcending the conventional boundaries of age to become an icon of fashion in her latter years. Dubbing herself the "geriatric starlet," she carved a niche as a textile designer and a luminary in the fashion world and attained widespread acclaim in her 80s and 90s.
Iris Apfel's career as a flamboyant interior designer saw her becoming an enduring presence in the front rows of Paris fashion shows for over five decades. Her unique aesthetic, characterized by cropped white hair, voluminous glasses, vibrant lipstick, and an array of large-bead necklaces and bangles, set her apart amidst New York's elite. Her Park Avenue apartment, a veritable museum housing two floors of work by the foremost designers of the 20th century, stood as a testament to her extensive career and her penchant for collecting exquisite items over the years. Renowned designers and fashion notables, from Alexander Wang to Isaac Mizrahi, professed their admiration for Iris Apfel and celebrated her as the epitome of chic in her centennial years, particularly noted for her fondness for baubles.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York recognized her unique contribution to fashion by hosting the first major retrospective of her wardrobe, highlighting her eclectic taste that spanned high-end boutiques to Harlem junk shops. Her influence further permeated popular culture with the release of Albert Maysles's documentary Iris in 2014 and her autobiography Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon in 2018, which chronicled her remarkable journey. Apfel's entrepreneurial spirit shone through her numerous collaborations, ranging from a Barbie doll in her likeness to a makeup line with MAC Cosmetics, illustrating her multifaceted career and her ability to inspire across generations.
Iris B. Apfel attends the 2008 Lighthouse International Light Years Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on October 20 2008 in New York City. Iris Afpel centenarian style icon from the New York borough of Queens immediately recognizable by her oversized owlish glasses died on March 1 2024 at age 102 according to her Instagram account. Photo Credit: Joe Kohen / Getty Images North America / AFPIris Apfel's philosophy on life was a testament to her indomitable spirit. "Try new things. Don't let age and numbers frighten you. You have to find your own bliss, be as individual as you can, and don't go with the herd," she remarked. Alongside her husband, Carl Apfel, who also reached the milestone of 100 years, she co-owned Old World Weavers from 1950 to 1992, contributing significantly to the restoration and sale of textiles, including to the White House. Born Iris Barrel on August 29, 1921, in Queens, she was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin's art school and a former copywriter for Women's Wear Daily. Her advice to young women to "dare to be different" and to embrace individuality over conformity left a lasting imprint on the fashion industry.
The legacy Iris Apfel leaves behind is monumental, not merely in the domain of fashion, but also in the ethos of living life to the fullest. Her fearless approach to style, her unwavering confidence in expressing her unique identity, and her refusal to be bound by the conventions of age inspired countless individuals to embrace their true selves. In a world often dominated by fleeting trends and homogeneity, Apfel's life was a vibrant mosaic of bold choices, creativity and an unwavering commitment to personal authenticity.
Age, for Iris Apfel, was but a mere number, a fact she embodied through her active engagement in life and work well into her centennial years. "In half birthdays, I’m only 26!!! I’m 102 and a half today… happy leap day!" states her Instagram account. Her perspective on age as an irrelevant factor in pursuing one’s passions and embracing new experiences served as a beacon of inspiration for people of all ages. Her vibrant spirit and her contributions to fashion and design remain a testament to the enduring power of individuality and the beauty of living life on one's own terms. Tributes from across the globe, including from musicians like Lenny Kravitz and corporations like Old Navy, celebrated Apfel as a "forever icon," a "master of the art of living," underscoring the indelible mark she left on both the fashion world and the hearts of those who admired her.
With AFP.
Madeleine Cadoux
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