At 102 years old, Iris Apfel bid us farewell, but her legacy of boldness and authenticity will endure. Always adorned with oversized black-framed glasses and vibrant lipstick, she never confined herself to the boundaries of time or age. On the contrary, she embraced each wrinkle as a testament to a life of unparalleled authenticity. Her longevity not only defied expectations but also redefined the concepts of beauty and style, proving that true elegance is not defined by years but by the courage to be truly ourselves.
Beyond a century
Irreverence, charisma, and a keen eye define the distinctive traits of this extraordinary personality. On her 102nd birthday in August 2023, Iris adorned herself in shades of pink, revealing the vitality flowing within her. She showcased an abundant mix of plus-size accessories from her collection. The bold lipstick, large necklaces, and iconic XXL round glasses testify to her motto that declares, “More is more.” More than a master of maximalism, Iris is a visual storyteller who weaves fashion as an intrinsic expression of individuality and soul. Clad in the color of femininity, fragility, sweetness, and delicacy, but also passion, boldness, and sensuality, Iris proclaimed to the world that fashion is a celebration of personality, a bold statement that transcends age. Iris Apfel not only celebrates the passage of time, but she challenges conventional notions of aging, showing that fashion is a universal language that transcends fabric, revealing itself as the living manifestation of each being’s essence. This is the latest chapter in Iris Apfel’s fascinating story, an ongoing narrative that transcends not only time but also the expectations of those seeking the true essence of fashion.
A love for a lifetime
After dating for five months, Iris and Carl Apfel married in February 1948. The romance had begun a few months earlier while both were on vacation in Lake George, New York. For Iris, these were her first paid vacations from her job as a writer at Women’s Wear Daily. About a month later, Carl gathered the courage to call Iris, complimenting the hat she wore on those vacations. After a fun conversation, they decided to go out together. Iris was 26, and Carl was 33. The marriage proposal came on Thanksgiving Day. Iris chose a pink lace dress, reflecting her boldness and practical spirit: “I wanted a dress I could wear after the wedding and not just one to be stored in a box,” she confessed in a documentary. The satin shoes, matching the dress, were worn for many years. Two years later, the couple founded Old World Weavers, a textile and home decor company. The success of Iris’s ideas was so remarkable that the duo was chosen to join the White House decorating team, a role they fulfilled during nine presidential administrations, from Truman to Clinton. Simultaneously, they traveled the world seeking original materials for their work. Their eclectic approach to design distinguished them as innovators in the fashion and decor landscape and positioned them as visionaries who challenged conventional boundaries, leaving a unique mark on the history of style. Iris and Carl Apfel’s marriage transcended the bounds of romantic union; it evolved beyond the domestic, revealing itself as a creative collaboration of remarkable proportions. The couple brought to life projects that replicated Iris’s unique aesthetic, combined with Carl’s artistic and special sensibility. Their mutual dedication and collaboration spanned decades, solidifying them as one of the most inspiring couples in the realms of interior decoration, designing unique pieces, fabrics, and tapestries. This love story and partnership between Iris and Carl Apfel are a lasting testimony to how a shared passion for creativity not only enriches life but also leaves an indelible mark on the artistic and cultural landscape around us. Even after Carl’s departure in 2015, his legacy continues to travel and inspire many young minds in the vast universe of fashion and design.
Born to shine
Iris was born in Queens, New York, on August 29, 1921. Her mother, Sadye Asofsky, originally from Russia, managed a fashion boutique in her home country. Her father, Samuel Barrel, was a mirror and glass specialist entrepreneur who worked with the top designers in the USA. Iris is the result of this mix of origins and experiences, born to shine! Her talent for transforming tapestries was discovered in childhood as she pieced together fabric scraps from her grandmother. Simultaneously, she fell in love with jewelry in antique shops in Greenwich Village before diving into journalism and fashion at 20. Iris studied Art History at the University of Wisconsin and later attended New York University. Her talent for aesthetics and design caught the attention of New York City’s elite, gradually making decoration and design increasingly integral to her life. This is easily witnessed by anyone entering the apartment where she lives – an invitation to an eclectic and extraordinary environment where fashion and design transcend the ordinary, echoing a manifestation of personality. There’s no room for modesty; what is seen is an organized chaos of fabrics, textures, and accessories that seem to have a life of their own. Each piece of clothing is chosen with the mastery of someone who challenges the rules, not adhering to the mainstream. Vintage harmonizes with the contemporary, and extravagant jewelry competes with the city lights glow. What might be considered excessive for many is, for Iris, a form of artistic expression, a visual manifestation of her unique personality. But Iris Apfel is also a storyteller and an architect who builds bridges between eras and cultures. Someone who loves to laugh. The style she introduces is not just a fashion statement but an affirmation of individuality, of what is alive and authentic in a world often dominated by norms, rules, and impositions. Iris doesn’t just wear clothes; she embodies them, transforming each piece into an extension of her narrative. She doesn’t follow trends; she creates them, offering us a world of inspiration, especially for those who dare to venture beyond conventions. In a universe where fashion is often described as fleeting, Iris Apfel is a beacon of eternity. Her style testifies that true elegance goes beyond seasons and that self-expression is an ageless art. As she continues to defy expectations, Apfel remains not only a prominent figure in fashion but also a muse for all those seeking to live with authenticity and passion.
Curiosities
In 2022, H&M launched the Iris Apfel collection in tribute to her 100 years of life.
In 2019, at 97 years old, she became the oldest model to sign a contract with IMG—the same agency as Gigi Hadid.
At 96, Mattel presented Iris Apfel with a Barbie in her honor.
On her 90th birthday, MAC Cosmetics invited Iris Apfel to create a makeup line.
Iris and her husband Carl embraced important causes, supporting the artistic education of vulnerable young people.
At 84, Iris was invited by Harold Koda, curator of the Met’s Costume Institute, to exhibit her clothing and accessory collection, named “Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection.”
Iris launched a line of glasses for Zenni Eyewear, totaling over 100 pieces with her signature.
Apfel also published four books, and part of her life was featured in a documentary by American documentarians Albert and David Maysles.
