The Life, Career, and Style of Fashion Icon Iris Apfel

Known for her oversized glasses, layered jewelry, and bold accessories, Iris Apfel's life and career have captivated many. Her fearless use of color and maximalist style have made her a true inspiration.

Iris Apfel was not just a fashion icon but also a successful former interior designer and businesswoman. Described by the fashion world as a "Rare Bird," a term also used by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), she possessed a sophisticated, colorful, and eclectic wardrobe, with accessories being the star of her style.

Despite her museum-worthy style, Iris Apfel never considered herself a fashion collector. She saw herself as someone who played with fashion, using her style to entertain both herself and others. But who is this extraordinary, energetic, and hardworking woman?

Who is Iris Apfel?

Born in 1921 in New York, Iris Apfel was the daughter of a glass and mirror business owner and a boutique owner. During her education, she focused on art, studying Art History at New York University while also nurturing an interest in fashion. She worked with illustrators for fashion magazines and at Women's Wear Daily. In 1948, she married Carl Apfel, and two years later, they founded the textile firm Old World Weavers.

If you wonder how her expertise in interior design and textile manufacturing led to becoming a style icon, the answer lies in the "Rara Avis" exhibition organized by the MET on September 13, 2005. This "Rare Bird" exhibition focused on Iris Apfel's style, showcasing her clothes and accessories.

The "Rara Avis" exhibition at the MET was the museum's first to focus on a living person who wasn't a designer, yet it made a significant impact despite limited PR efforts.

Iris Apfel's Career

One day, while searching for a non-existent fabric for a special client, Iris Apfel inadvertently laid the groundwork for Old World Weavers when an old school friend directed her to her weaver father. Apfel's unique and colorful design vision guided her work at Old World Weavers until she retired in 1992. Specializing in fabrics from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, Iris and Carl traveled to Europe twice a year to find fabrics unavailable in America.

Their work led the Apfels to travel the world, buying garments crafted by artisans, which high-society clients would wear at exclusive parties. Iris's choices during this period reflected her unique style, creating exceptional designs and nurturing her love for accessories.

Iris's fame truly began after her retirement, marked by the 2005 MET exhibition, a milestone in her life. Her sophisticated, colorful, and eclectic wardrobe, including clothes and accessories, was showcased, significantly boosting her status in the fashion world. She went on to create her own accessory line, "Rara Avis," and became the face of various brands like Kate Spade.

Iris Apfel's Style

Iris Apfel's style can be summarized as "the harmony of contrasts." She described her fashion philosophy as "architectural fashion that fits the body," preferring pieces free of ornamentation, yet adorning them herself. This approach led to her iconic, art-like style, known for its heavy use of accessories.

Oversized glasses, layered jewelry, and bold accessories are signatures of Apfel's distinctive style. She invested heavily in bags, belts, and bracelets, stating that without these pieces, she felt incomplete. Iris Apfel remains a perfect inspiration for anyone who loves accessories, establishing herself as an important figure to follow.

Iris Apfel's Accessory Style

Black oversized glasses, extravagant jewelry, and an ageless spirit define Iris Apfel. Though she steered clear of trends, her unique style and impeccable taste in accessories transformed her into a fashion icon. Often referred to as the "oldest fashion icon," her youthful spirit reminds us that age is just a number.