In a world often obsessed with youth and its associated vibrancy, Iris Apfel is a defiant iconoclast, challenging the prevalent myths linking age with declining competency. At an age where most would consider settling into quiet retirement, Iris, now in her 100s, continues to dazzle the world with her unique style.
Sharp wit and undeniable business acumen. Her life is a testament to the fact that age does not define one’s ability to contribute meaningfully to society and culture.
Early Life and Career
Born in 1921, Iris had a relatively conventional start in life. She grew up in Astoria, Queens, and developed an early interest in fashion. Her career began with a stint at Women’s Wear Daily and for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also worked for illustrator Robert Goodman.
Her marriage to Carl Apfel and the subsequent founding of their textile firm, Old World Weavers, set the stage for her later fame. Together, they traveled the world, with Iris collecting non-western, artisanal clothes and accessories, inadvertently curating her now-iconic style.
See more about Madeline SotoA Style Icon Emerges
Iris Apfel’s ascent to the status of a fashion icon was gradual and organic. Her eclectic style, characterized by bold colors, oversized glasses, and an array of global, often large accessories, caught the eye of the fashion world.
In 2005, when she was in her 80s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased her extensive collection of costumes and accessories in an exhibition titled “Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel.” This exhibition catapulted her into a limelight that has not dimmed since.
Continuing Influence in Her 100s
What is remarkable about Iris is her longevity, continued relevance, and influence. She has collaborated with several high-profile brands, launched her collections, and remained a sought-after figure in fashion and design.
Her Instagram account, with over a million followers, is a vibrant testament to her ongoing impact, where she regularly shares her insights and unique fashion sense.
Disproving the Age-Competency Myth
Iris Apfel’s life story powerfully dispels the myth that age and competency are intrinsically linked. She exemplifies how creativity and intellect stay strong with the passing of years.
Instead, they can flourish, nurtured by a lifetime of experiences and wisdom. Her journey underscores the importance of dismissing ageist stereotypes and valuing the contributions of older individuals in various fields.
| Aspect | Description |
| Experience | Older individuals often have a wealth of experience in various fields, leading to more informed and nuanced decision-making. |
| Wisdom | Age brings wisdom from a lifetime of learning, which can be invaluable in problem-solving and strategic planning. |
| Diversity of Perspective | A diverse age range in a team or organization brings a variety of perspectives, which can lead to more innovative solutions. |
| Mentorship | Senior members in any field can act as mentors, passing down knowledge and skills to younger generations. |
| Resilience | Older adults often have a higher level of resilience, having faced and overcome numerous challenges. |
Here are some interesting facts about Iris Apfel.
Centenarian Fashion Icon: Iris Apfel celebrated her 100th birthday in 2021, marking a century of life filled with style and creativity.
Recognition in Her 80s: Iris rose to fame in the fashion world at 84, following a successful exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York showcasing her unique clothing and accessories collection.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Alongside her husband Carl, Iris co-founded Old World Weavers, a textile company, in 1950 and successfully ran it until their retirement in 1992.
Distinctive Style: She is renowned for her eclectic and vibrant style, characterized by bold colors, oversized glasses, and an array of unique accessories.
Presidential Decorator: Iris and her husband worked on design restoration projects for the White House under nine presidents, from Truman to Clinton.
Documentary Feature: A documentary titled “Iris” was made about her life in 2014 by legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles.
Fashion Collaborations: Despite her age, Iris has collaborated with several major brands, including MAC Cosmetics and H&M, and has been a model and muse for various fashion campaigns.
Teaching and Lecturing: Iris has shared her knowledge and experience as a visiting professor and lecturer, providing insights into the fashion world and her unique perspective on life.
Barbie Doll Tribute: 2018 Mattel honored her unique style and influence by creating an Iris Apfel Barbie doll.
Social Media Influence: She maintains an active presence, inspiring followers with her fashion sense and life philosophy.
FAQs
Why is Iris Apfel famous?
Iris Apfel is famous for her bold and eclectic fashion sense. She became a style icon in her later years, especially after the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased her unique collection in 2005. Her distinctive style and vibrant personality challenge ageist stereotypes and inspire creativity.
What is the advice from Iris Apfel?
Iris Apfel, known for her unique style and vibrant personality, offers advice that is as distinctive as her fashion sense. One of her most famous pieces of advice is, “Dress to please yourself.
What are the two main types of irises?
Bearded Irises: These are perhaps the most recognizable and popular type. They are named for the soft “beards” on each flower’s fall (the downward-facing petals). Bearded irises come in various sizes and colors and are known for their large, showy blooms.
Beardless Irises: This category includes several types of irises, such as Siberian, Japanese, and Louisiana irises, that do not have fuzzy “beards.” Beardless irises have smooth falls and are known for their graceful, delicate appearance. They also come in various colors and sizes and are well-suited for multiple garden settings.
Why are irises unique?
Q: Who is Iris Apfel?
A: Iris Apfel is an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon known for her eclectic style and vibrant personality. Born in 1921, she has become an influential figure in the fashion industry, primarily known for her bold use of color and large, round glasses.
Q: What is Iris Apfel famous for?
A: Iris Apfel is most famous for her unique and extravagant fashion sense, characterized by bright colors, bold patterns, and oversized accessories. She gained wider public recognition after the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute showcased her collection in 2005.
Q: What was Iris Apfel’s profession?
A: Iris began her career in the fashion industry and worked for Women’s Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also worked for illustrator Robert Goodman. Alongside her husband, Carl Apfel, she co-founded the textile company Old World Weavers, and they ran it until they retired in the 1990s.
Q: Did Iris Apfel have any formal fashion training?
A: No, Iris Apfel did not have formal fashion training. Her style developed organically over the years, influenced by her travels and work in interior design and textiles.
Q: What makes Iris Apfel a style icon?
A: Iris Apfel became a style icon due to her fearless approach to fashion. She mixes high-end designer pieces with flea market finds, creating a unique look that is all her own. Her ability to confidently mix patterns, textures, and accessories unconventionally has inspired designers and fashion enthusiasts globally.
Q: Has Iris Apfel collaborated with any brands or designers?
A: Yes, Iris Apfel has collaborated with several brands and designers. She has launched her collections, including a line of eyewear and a collaboration with the home shopping network HSN for a range of apparel and accessories.
Q: What is Iris Apfel’s philosophy on fashion?
A: Iris Apfel’s fashion philosophy is centered around individualism and self-expression. She believes in wearing what makes you feel happy and confident, regardless of trends. Her famous quote, “More is more and less is a bore,” encapsulates her approach to style.
Q: How has Iris Apfel influenced the fashion world?
A: Iris Apfel has influenced the fashion world by challenging conventional notions of beauty and style, especially around aging. She has shown that creativity and style are ageless, inspiring people to embrace their unique sense of fashion at any stage of life.
Conclusion
Iris Apfel’s vibrant life is a beacon of inspiration, showing that age is but a number and not a barrier to creativity, relevance, or success. Her ongoing journey is a powerful narrative that challenges society’s perceptions of aging, encouraging a reevaluation of how we view the capabilities and potential of older adults.
As Iris says, “More is more, and less is a bore.” Her life is a vivid illustration of this mantra, proving that with age can come an even greater capacity to inspire, influence, and innovate.
