The fashion world lost a true icon with the passing of Iris Apfel at the age of 102. Known for her bold and vibrant style, captured in the 2014 documentary film ‘Iris’, she left a lasting impact on the industry. Her unique sense of fashion and artistry set her apart as a visionary in every sense of the word. From her signature oversized spectacles to her eclectic wardrobe choices, Apfel saw the world through a kaleidoscope of color and patterns.
Iris Apfel’s career was as colorful as her wardrobe. Starting out at Women’s Wear Daily, she later transitioned into interior design before running the textile company Old World Weavers with her husband, Carl. Her unique eye for design and ability to blend the unconventional with the elegant set her apart in the industry. In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased her wardrobe in an exhibition titled ‘Rara Avis: Selections From the Iris Apfel Collection’, marking the museum’s first solo exhibition dedicated to a single person’s clothing collection.
Apfel’s impact extended beyond the fashion world. Her 2007 coffee-table book, ‘Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel’, further solidified her status as a style icon. At the age of 97, she even signed a modeling contract with IMG, proving that age is just a number. The release of the documentary ‘Iris’ in 2014, directed by Albert Maysles, further cemented her legacy in the industry. Opening the New York Film Festival and playing in theaters in 2015, the film showcased her unique perspective on style and life.
As the news of Iris Apfel’s passing spreads, the fashion world mourns the loss of a true original. Her colorful spirit and fearless approach to fashion will continue to inspire generations to come. No memorial plans have been announced yet, but her impact on the industry will live on through her work and legacy. Iris Apfel will forever be remembered as a true pioneer in the world of fashion and design.