Iris Apfel’s eccentric and colourful life is one for the history books. Known for her flamboyant outfits and outspoken personality, she will be missed in the fashion world after her passing at the impressive age of 102 years old.
A classic Apfel look would always consist of oversized costume jewellery, anything brightly coloured, and of course, her signature round glasses.
In the early 2000s, she was known modestly in the interior design world, however, this all changed when Iris’ fashion collection was put on display at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005, home to the infamous Met Gala. This event harboured major success after being promoted online and finally began to increase her celebrity status as a fashion icon.
Her lengthy career began as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily, but it wasn’t long until she took off in the interior design world. After two years of marriage, Iris and her husband Carl Apfel set up a widely successful textile business together in 1950. They were involved in managing White House restoration projects for nine US presidents, from Truman up to Clinton.
Iris’ influence has reached far beyond the fashion world, even infiltrating film and entertainment. It is speculated that she is one of the inspirations behind the iconic character Edna Mode, who appears in The Incredibles and The Incredibles 2. Then, in 2018 Mattel created a Barbie doll of Iris, making her the oldest person to ever have a Barbie made in their image. Although it wasn’t for sale, this is the highest honour given out by the Barbie brand and a certain way to have her look remembered.
As a woman, Iris had been asked by the media about why she and Carl never had children together. Admirably career-driven, her response was always that she didn’t believe in a child having a nanny, and due to the nature of their textiles company, they had to travel constantly. Many resonated with her views about not wanting to be “pigeonholed” or having children just because it’s “protocol”.
Iris and Carl were married for nearly 70 years before he died in 2015. In numerous interviews, Iris looked back on their time together very fondly, saying he pushed her to take all the opportunities that came her way and supported her as she rose to the centre of public attention.
After her husband's death, Iris opened up to the media about her time dealing with grief and how turning to creative work helped her cope. Whilst this was happening, this was the beginning of her modelling career at age 97 when she signed a contract with IMG after being countlessly sought after for professional appearances.
Iris Apfel’s life was full of colour and many will continue to envy her attitudes and fashion moments for plenty of years to come.
Edited by Ellie Jones