Saturday, March 2, 2024

Iris Apfel, a 102-year-old New York designer, fashion icon, and "geriatric starlet," passes away

 




Introduction

Iris Apfel, a 102-year-old textile specialist, interior designer, and fashion icon renowned for her quirky style, passed away.

Lori Sale, Apfel's business agent, confirmed her death and described her as "extraordinary".


The reason of death was not stated.

On Friday, US time, it was also stated on her verified Instagram page that Leap Day signified her 102nd and a half birthday, which had been celebrated the day before.

Apfel, who was born on August 29, 1921, gained notoriety for her daring, eye-catching ensembles that combined extravagant costume jewels with haute couture.

For example, a feather boa would go well with bangles, thick beaded necklaces, and a jacket adorned with Native American beadwork in a traditional Apfel ensemble.

At every fashion show she went, her large round glasses with black frames, vivid red lipstick, and short white hair made her stand out.

Albert Maysles' documentary film Iris and museum exhibits both focused on her style.

 




"I'm not pretty, and I'll never be pretty, but it doesn't matter," she once stated.

"I've got something far superior. I'm stylish."

Apfel gained popularity on social media in her later years, gaining almost 3 million followers on Instagram, where her bio reads, "More is more & Less is a Bore."

She gained 215,000 followers on TikTok by promoting her recent collaborations and sharing her sage advice on fashion and style.

In one TikTok video, she stated, "Being stylish and being fashionable are two entirely different things." "Buying your way into style is a simple process. Style, it seems to me, is innate. It suggests bravery and inventiveness."


She stated on Today that she never retired, believing that "retiring at any age is a fate worse than death." Don't stop just because a number appears on the screen.

Being able to work with her was an incredible honour. Her daily calls, which are always met with the same inquiry, "What have you got for me today?" will be missed. Sale stated in a release.

"She truly embodied the definition of a visionary. Her big, eye-catching spectacles, perched atop her nose, gave her a unique perspective on the world."

Apfel was an authority on vintage and contemporary textiles. She and her spouse Carl ran Old World Weavers, a textile manufacturing business that specialised in restoration work, working on projects in the White House for six US presidents.


Celebrity customers of Apfel included Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.




The Life and Times of Iris Apfel
1. A Fashion Maverick is Born


Born in 1922, Iris Barrel Apfel grew up to become a true maverick in the world of fashion. Her distinctive style, characterized by bold accessories, oversized glasses, and an unabashed embrace of vibrant colors, set her apart from the conventional norms of the industry.
 

2. A Lifelong Passion for Style

Apfel's passion for style endured throughout her life. From her early days working in interior design to her later years as a fashion icon, she remained a symbol of creativity and individuality. Her journey serves as an inspiration for those who believe that age is no barrier to expressing oneself through fashion.
Iris Apfel's Impact on the Fashion World
 

3. Breaking Age Stereotypes

One of Apfel's most significant contributions was challenging age-related stereotypes in the fashion industry. Her vibrant presence on the global fashion stage proved that style knows no age limits, inspiring a more inclusive and diverse representation in fashion.
4. Advocacy for Individuality

Iris Apfel was a fervent advocate for embracing individuality in style. Her mantra, "more is more, and less is a bore," encouraged people to express their unique personalities through clothing and accessories. Her unapologetic approach to fashion resonated with individuals worldwide, fostering a sense of liberation in personal style.
The End of an Era
 

5. A Lasting Legacy

As news of Iris Apfel's passing reverberates across the fashion world, it marks the end of an era. Her legacy, however, lives on in the countless lives she touched and the paradigm shift she initiated in the industry.
 

6. Tributes Pour In

Tributes from fashion designers, celebrities, and fans are pouring in, highlighting the profound impact Apfel had on the world. From runway tributes to social media posts, the global fashion community is united in celebrating the extraordinary life of this style icon.
 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the passing of Iris Apfel at the age of 102 marks the end of a chapter in the fashion world. Her life was a testament to the transformative power of style and the ability to break barriers. As we bid farewell to this trailblazing icon, let us continue to draw inspiration from her fearless approach to fashion and carry forward her legacy by embracing individuality with the same zest and passion that defined Iris Apfel's extraordinary journey.

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