We lost a fashion maven who was a stylish fixture for almost a century. Iris Apfel was admired around the world. “More is more and less is a bore” is indeed one of Iris Apfel’s famous quotes. She was known for her bold and eclectic style, often emphasizing the idea of embracing maximalism rather than minimalism in fashion and design.
The world lost a beacon of style and flair on March 1, 2024, as the indomitable Iris Apfel bid her final adieu at the remarkable age of 102. With her passing, the fashion cosmos dimmed just a tad, for Iris wasn’t just a fashion icon; she was a living testament to the boundless possibilities of self-expression. Born Iris Barrel on a summer’s day in 1921 in the vibrant borough of Queens, New York, Iris was destined to leave a lasting impression on the world. Raised amidst the hum of her family’s business and the siren call of Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, young Iris found solace in the labyrinth of New York’s antique shops, assembling a kaleidoscope of jewelry that would later become her trademark. Armed with a keen eye for design and an insatiable hunger for the avant-garde, Iris studied art history at New York University and honed her craft at the University of Wisconsin. But it was her journey through the streets of Manhattan that shaped her destiny.
Her career unfolded like a well-stitched silhouette, sewn with threads of creativity and innovation. From her early days as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily to her partnership with her beloved husband Carl, Iris possessed an irrepressible spirit and an eye for the extraordinary. Together, their creations adorned the halls of power from the White House to high-society gatherings. But Iris was more than just a textile maven; she was a force of nature, a living embodiment of audacity and grace.
In her golden years, she was deemed “The Accidental Icon” and she graced the silver screen in the acclaimed documentary “Iris,” captivating audiences with her larger-than-life persona and her trademark oversized eyewear. Even in her twilight years, Iris didn’t simply fade into the background; she strutted onto the world stage as a model, signing with IMG at 97. With each step down the runway, defying conventions, and challenging norms, she proved to the world that style is ageless.
Married to Carl for 67 years, they shared a love that transcended time and space, united by a passion for adventure and a shared bottle of fragrance. As the final curtain fell on her extraordinary life, Iris left behind a legacy for generations to come. From museum retrospectives to documentaries, she remains a rare bird in a world of copycats, a symbol of fearless self-expression and unbridled creativity.
So here’s to you, Iris Apfel, the ultimate fashionista, the queen of quirk, and the patron saint of style. May your spirit soar on the winds of change, inspiring us all to embrace life with open arms and a dash of “stylish” panache!
The documentary “Iris”: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4157220/ &
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