US Style Trailblazer Iris Apfel Passes Away, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Renowned American designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel passed away at 102. Known for her distinctive style featuring cropped white hair, oversized glasses, bright lipstick, and chunky beads, Apfel reached the height of her fame in the 1980s and 90s. Her influence extended beyond her fashion choices, as she served numerous celebrity clients, including Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.
With her frequent presence at Paris fashion shows, Apfel’s impact on the fashion world spanned over five decades. Her death was announced on Instagram, where she had almost three million followers. A picture accompanying the announcement featured Apfel wearing her renowned oversized round glasses. Tributes poured in from various figures, with designer Tommy Hilfiger describing her as an “innovator and leader” in textiles and style, noting her lasting influence.
Born in New York to a Jewish family in 1921, Apfel initially studied art history and specialized in interior design, particularly textiles. She worked on restoration projects at the White House and had a successful career as an interior designer before becoming a trendsetter in her 80s. Notably, she ventured into professional modeling at the age of 97.
Apfel’s unique style was marked by her artistic eye and a kaleidoscope of colors, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. Her agent, Lori Sale, expressed that working with Apfel was “the honor of a lifetime” and highlighted her visionary and creative approach to fashion. In 2014, she became the subject of the documentary “Iris,” directed by Albert Maysles.
In an interview with BBC Newsnight in 2015, Apfel emphasized that dressing up should be fun and a chance to play. She believed in the importance of indulging in creativity and had a positive view of age-appropriate dress, stating that it is appropriate if one can pull it off. Iris Apfel’s legacy as a fashion icon and creative force continues to impact the industry.
