In the tapestry of fashion icons, few threads are as colorful and vibrant as that of Iris Apfel. The story goes that a young Iris, with her unquenchable thirst for the unique, once received a piece of advice that would define her for over a century: “You’re not pretty, but you have style.” This backhanded compliment became the cornerstone of her philosophy, proving that in the realm of fashion, being interesting trumps all.
Apfel, who recently passed away at the impressive age of 102, never bowed to the conventional. Raised in Queens during the lean years of the Great Depression, she cultivated an early love for the eclectic under the guidance of her mother, a devout accessory enthusiast. Iris’s forays into the treasure-filled alleys of Greenwich Village laid the foundation for her lifelong affair with the extraordinary. She was a true pioneer of the “do-it-yourself” aesthetic, piecing together her look with finds from her adventures and creations of her own making.
Her journey into the world of textiles, alongside her husband Carl Apfel, further expanded her horizons. Their company, Old World Weavers, serviced the crème de la crème of society, from Hollywood royalty like Greta Garbo to nine U.S. presidents. These expeditions in search of the rare and the beautiful only sharpened Iris’s eye for the exceptional.
Apfel’s style was audacious, a rebellion against the minimalist chic Coco Chanel espoused. Instead of subtracting, Apfel added — layering oversized glasses, flamboyant boas, and an array of prints with a fearless hand. Her bracelets weren’t just accessories; they were statements, creating an ensemble that was more a symphony than a solo.
It was her distinctive flair that eventually caught the eye of the Met Costume Institute, leading to the groundbreaking 2005 exhibit, “Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel.” This retrospective, a first of its kind dedicated to the wardrobe of a living person, catapulted Iris into the limelight, transforming her into an octogenarian ‘It’ girl, or as she preferred, a “geriatric starlet.”
Iris Apfel’s ascent in the fashion world defied the industry’s notorious ageism. Designers adored her, and she became a beloved figure in the front rows of fashion shows, her enthusiasm undimmed by the years. Her influence extended beyond the catwalks, leading to collaborations, coffee-table books, and the 2014 documentary “Iris” by Albert Maysles, which celebrated her life and style.
Apfel’s approach to fashion was akin to jazz — an improvisation of textures, colors, and patterns that harmonized into something uniquely beautiful. She championed individuality in an era increasingly dominated by uniformity and safe choices. Her legacy is a testament to the power of personal style and the courage to embrace one’s true self, regardless of age. In a world often muted by conformity, Iris Apfel remains a beacon of exuberant, unrestrained joy in dressing. Her life was a masterclass in being unapologetically oneself, and for that, she will always be remembered as fashion’s most colorful icon.
