Iris Apfel: The Iconoclastic Fashion Maven Who Redefined Style Dies at 102

Iris Apfel: The Iconoclastic Fashion Maven Who Redefined Style Dies at 102

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Iris Apfel, a trailblazing figure in the world of fashion and interior design, passed away on Friday at her home in Palm Beach, Florida. At the remarkable age of 102, As was reported by The New York Times, Apfel leaves behind a legacy of fearless self-expression and sartorial innovation that transcended age and convention.

A spokesperson for her estate, Stu Loeser, confirmed her passing, marking the end of an era for the fashion world.

Apfel, often referred to as a “geriatric starlet,” captured the imagination of fashion enthusiasts worldwide with her audacious, eclectic style that blended hippie vintage with haute couture, according to the information provided in the NYT report. Her ensembles were a riot of colors, textures, and patterns, reflecting her penchant for mixing and matching in unexpected ways.

From a multicolored Bill Blass jacket paired with a tinted Hopi dancing skirt to a whimsical coat adorned with red and green rooster feathers, Apfel’s outfits defied convention and exuded a sense of playful irreverence, as was noted in the NYT report. Her accessories were equally eye-catching, ranging from jeweled masks to tin handbags shaped like terriers, all anchored by her signature armloads of bangles and oversized spectacles.

Despite her advanced age, Apfel remained a fixture at Fashion Week, rubbing shoulders with models and designers alike. Her distinctive appearance, characterized by silver hair, scarlet lips, and flamboyant attire, made her a beloved figure in the industry.

In an interview with The New York Times in 2011, Apfel articulated her philosophy on style, stating, “When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else.” This sentiment encapsulates her fearless approach to fashion, which celebrated individuality and self-expression above all else.

Beyond her contributions to the world of fashion, Apfel enjoyed a successful career in interior design, collaborating with renowned clients such as Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder, the report in the NYT said. Together with her husband, Carl Apfel, she founded Old World Weavers, a company specializing in textiles and restoration, with clients that included the White House.

Throughout her life, Apfel remained a passionate collector, amassing an extensive wardrobe and textile collection housed in her Park Avenue apartment in Manhattan. The report in the NYT indicated that her relentless pursuit of beauty and creativity served as an inspiration to countless individuals, proving that style knows no bounds and that true elegance is timeless.

Apfel continued to defy convention even after retiring from her company in 1992. Her irrepressible spirit and unapologetic sense of style made her a beloved figure in society and among the fashion elite, earning her a reputation as a maverick who dared to march to the beat of her own drum, the NYT report pointed out.

In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art approached Apfel with a bold proposition: to mount an exhibition featuring her personal wardrobe. Titled “Rara Avis: Selections From the Iris Apfel Collection,” the show was a groundbreaking departure from the museum’s usual exhibitions, which typically featured designer collections rather than individual wardrobes.

The exhibition, curated by Harold Koda, showcased 82 ensembles and 300 accessories from Apfel’s eclectic collection. From vintage Bakelite bangles to Tibetan cuff bracelets, each piece told a story of Apfel’s distinctive style and adventurous spirit, according to the information in the NYT report. Highlights included a tiger-pattern travel outfit of her own design and a luxurious coat of Mongolian lamb and squirrel from Fendi, displayed with whimsical flair.

Apfel herself humorously remarked on the exhibition, quipping, “This is no collection. It’s a raid on my closet. I always thought to show at the Met you had to be dead,” the NYT report added. Koda praised Apfel’s educated visual sense and courage, emphasizing that her approach to dressing was both inventive and daring.

The exhibition quickly became the talk of the town, drawing crowds of art enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and curious visitors alike. The NYT report said that from students of art and design to society elites and tourists, the galleries buzzed with excitement as Apfel’s unique style captured imaginations.

Media outlets hailed the exhibition as a rare glimpse into the wardrobe of a fashion arbiter, likening Apfel’s influence to that of legendary editor Diana Vreeland.  As per the information provided in the NYT report, Apfel skyrocketed to international fame, gracing magazine spreads, ad campaigns, and blogs. She was sought after for lectures and seminars, even becoming a visiting professor at the University of Texas.

The success of the Met exhibition propelled Apfel into the spotlight, turning her into a pop fashion icon admired by legions of fans worldwide. The exhibition traveled to other museums, further solidifying Apfel’s status as a cultural phenomenon, the report added. Like a rock star, she attracted throngs of admirers to her public appearances, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and inspiring countless individuals to embrace their own unique sense of style.

Apfel’s influence in the world of fashion and beyond continued to soar well into her later years, as she embraced opportunities to share her unique perspective and vibrant personality with audiences around the globe, as was indicated in the NYT report. From documentary features to commercial endorsements, Apfel’s indomitable spirit and distinctive style captivated hearts and minds, cementing her status as an icon of individuality and self-expression.

In 2007, the publication of “Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel” introduced readers to Apfel’s eclectic wardrobe and jewelry collection through the lens of photographer Eric Boman. The NYT report noted that the coffee-table book garnered widespread attention, drawing mobs of eager fans to her bookstore signings and further solidifying her status as a fashion luminary.

The release of the documentary “Iris” in 2014 marked another milestone in Apfel’s remarkable career. Directed by Albert Maysles, the film provided an intimate portrait of Apfel’s life, offering audiences a glimpse into her world of statement eyewear, oversized accessories, and unapologetic self-expression. Critics praised the documentary for its celebration of diversity and nonconformity, with The New York Times calling it “an insistent rejection of monocultural conformity” and “a delightful eye-opener about life, love, and the art of making grand entrances.”

Apfel’s influence extended beyond the silver screen, as she lent her iconic style to various commercial ventures. In 2016, she appeared in a television commercial for the French car DS 3, embodying her trademark flair for fashion and design. The NYT said in the report that she also became the face of the Australian fashion brand Blue Illusion and collaborated with the startup WiseWear, further showcasing her versatility and enduring appeal.

In 2017, Apfel received a unique honor when Mattel created a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll in her likeness, a testament to her enduring impact on popular culture and fashion. While the doll was not available for sale, it served as a symbol of Apfel’s status as a style icon beloved by people of all ages.

In 2018, Apfel added author to her list of accomplishments with the publication of “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon,” a collection of musings, anecdotes, and observations on life and style. The NYT reported that the book offered readers a deeper insight into Apfel’s colorful personality and unique approach to fashion, further solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

As Apfel celebrated her 97th birthday in 2019, she showed no signs of slowing down, signing a modeling contract with the global agency IMG. Her continued presence in the fashion industry served as a testament to the timeless appeal of her style and the enduring power of individuality in an ever-changing world.

Iris Barrel, later known as Iris Apfel, left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion and design with her bold and eclectic style, as well as her contributions to interior design and restoration. Born on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, Iris was the only child of Samuel Barrel, a glass and mirror business owner, and Sadye, who ran a fashion boutique, as was reported by the NYT. Her upbringing surrounded by creativity and entrepreneurship laid the foundation for her illustrious career.

After studying art history at New York University and art at the University of Wisconsin, Iris embarked on a journey that would shape her into a fashion icon and interior design maven. According to the information provided in the NYT report, she began her career working for Women’s Wear Daily before honing her skills as an apprentice to interior designer Elinor Johnson. Armed with knowledge and experience, Iris eventually opened her own design firm, where she unleashed her boundless creativity onto the world.

In 1948, Iris married Carl Apfel, an advertising executive, and the two became partners in both life and business. Despite not having children of their own, their bond was unbreakable, and they shared a passion for design that would define their legacy, the NYT report added. Together, they founded Old World Weavers, a company renowned for its restoration work on curtains, furniture, and draperies at the White House for nine presidents spanning from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.

Apfel’s distinctive style extended beyond her professional endeavors and permeated every aspect of her life. Her apartments in New York and Palm Beach were veritable treasure troves of eclectic furnishings and whimsical tchotchkes, evoking the surrealism of a Luis Buñuel film, as was noted by the NYT. From porcelain cats to gilt mirrors, her spaces were a testament to her unique aesthetic sensibility and penchant for the unexpected.

Despite her avant-garde approach to design, Iris Apfel’s influence transcended trends, earning her admiration from fashion insiders and enthusiasts alike. The NYT reported that fashion designer Duro Olowu praised her work for its universal appeal, describing it as “not a trend” but rather something that resonates with “a certain kind of joy in everybody.”

In 2015, Iris Apfel faced the loss of her beloved husband, Carl, who passed away at the remarkable age of 100. While mourning his death, Iris continued to carry their shared legacy forward, inspiring countless individuals with her fearless approach to style and design.

Throughout her life, Iris Apfel remained a beacon of creativity and individuality, reminding us all of the transformative power of embracing our uniqueness. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of passion, creativity, and self-expression.