Fashion icon Iris Apfel passed away on March 1, 2024. She was 102 years old. Her unique style and aesthetic profoundly influenced the world of modern beauty and fashion. A successful entrepreneur, interior designer, and textile businesswoman alongside her husband, she even worked for the White House. Her popularity skyrocketed after an exhibition of her personal jewelry and clothing collection in 2005. Following that, Apfel became a fashion icon and, at 97, embarked on a modeling career. Learn more about this influential personality on newyork1.one.
Fashion as a Lifestyle
Iris was born on August 29, 1921, in New York City. She was the only daughter of Samuel and Sadye Barrel, a Jewish family. Her father was a glass merchant, and her mother owned a fashion boutique. So, from a young age, Iris was immersed in the world of clothing and accessories.
She spent her childhood summers on the family farm but frequently visited the city, exploring Manhattan. She passionately browsed antique shops and even then began building her collection of jewelry from around the world.
Iris didn’t know that her youthful passions would one day pave her way to becoming a style and beauty icon. Back then, her sewing, draping, and design skills proved invaluable during the Great Depression. She worked at her mother’s boutique and learned to sew clothes on a limited budget. She recalled her mother saying that the foundation of any wardrobe was a well-cut basic black dress. Additionally, Sadye Barrel adored accessories and passed this passion on to her daughter.
Iris attended New York University. In 1943, she graduated from the University of Wisconsin’s School of Fine Arts. After graduation, she landed a job as a copywriter for “Women’s Wear Daily,” earning $15 a week. During this period, Iris also began working as an interior designer and was an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman.
Marriage and Textile Career
A pivotal moment in her life was meeting fashion historian Carl Apfel. They immediately hit it off, began dating, and married in 1948. Two years later, the couple founded a textile manufacturing company called “Old World Weavers.” Their specialty was recreating 17th, 18th, and 19th-century fabrics. The Apfels regularly traveled to Europe, seeking out the necessary textiles. In New York, they opened the company’s showroom.
Their professionalism was recognized by the U.S. Congress, which commissioned them for interior restoration projects for nine U.S. presidents—from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton. Among the Apfels’ clients were also Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.
The couple sold “Old World Weavers” in 1992 after their retirement. They chose not to have children, as they spent so much time traveling. Iris didn’t want a nanny raising them. After retiring, the couple continued to travel the world until Carl’s death at the age of 100 in 2015.
Iris Apfel’s popularity
Iris Apfel’s personal popularity blossomed after her textile career ended. In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition featuring 82 items from her wardrobe and over 300 accessories. She had meticulously curated this collection over several decades.
The exhibition was attended by prestigious designers like Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani. Iris Apfel’s unexpected combinations and unique style resonated with the public. She masterfully blended high and low fashion, colors, patterns, and textures, as well as different eras and styles. After this exhibition, she began to be celebrated as a fashion icon.
Iris Apfel’s popularity soared in 2014 when director Albert Maysles made a documentary film about her. In this film, he explored the designer’s influence on fashion. In 2016, she starred in a commercial for the French car “DS3” and became the face of the Australian brand “Blue Illusion.” That same year, she began collaborating with the tech startup “WiseWear” on a line of smart jewelry. At 97 years old, the woman signed a contract with “IMG Models” and became a model.
She often described her success as accidental, as her unique style was simply a way of life for her. She had always lived that way, not to gain attention. Apfel elaborated on her journey in her biographical book, “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon.”
It’s worth noting that Iris became an influencer, particularly popular among older generations. She was never ashamed of her age and believed there was no point in being so. Apfel felt that old age should be embraced with dignity, not with a passive wait for death, but by living life to the fullest at any age. Her example inspired many to change their lives for the better.
Iris Apfel’s appeal also lay in her timeless style and attitude towards life. She bravely broke stereotypes and demonstrated through her own example that a passion for fashion knows no age limits. Until her last day, she favored bright colors, bold patterns, and big accessories. This approach resonated with older individuals who didn’t want to restrict themselves and their self-expression through clothing. Iris Apfel’s vibrant colors and large glasses became a symbol, still signifying that everyone has the right to dress as they wish, even in their golden years.
Iris Apfel and the Beauty Industry
In her later years, the businesswoman refused to rein in her love for color and style or change them in any way. The beauty industry recognized this, and her approach even led to several collaborations that perfectly reflected the designer’s views.
At 93, Iris Apfel joined the beauty industry and began a collaboration with “MAC Cosmetics.” They launched a 20-item collection of lipsticks, pencils, eye pigments, and nail polishes. The product shades were as vibrant as Iris Apfel herself. She recounted that “MAC” asked her what colors she liked, and a unique collection was created based on her preferences.
At 101, Apfel began a joint project with “Ciaté London.” A collection of distinctive products was created, including nail stickers, lipsticks, eyeshadow palettes, mirrors, and cosmetic bags. All were adorned with bright imagery intended to reflect the character and style of the famous designer.
It’s worth noting that Iris Apfel actively participated in the creative process of developing the collection. Ciaté London CEO Charlotte Knight was pleasantly impressed by their cooperation and partnership, which she often spoke about in interviews. In her opinion, Apfel’s influence in the beauty industry will remain strong for at least several more decades and continue to inspire the future. Her presence championed inclusivity, diversity, age positivity, and celebrated beauty at all stages of life.
Iris Apfel truly revolutionized the beauty industry and inspired people worldwide to find and embrace their uniqueness. Her vibrant spirit defied any conformism and societal standards. She served as a beacon in the world of fashion and style during her life and continues to be one after her death.
The renowned designer passed away at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2024. She was 102 years old. She was buried at Beth David Cemetery.