World of Fashion
Tribute to Iris Apfel - Style Icon and Fashion Ambassador Passed Away at the Age of 102
by Yvonne Heinen-Foudeh, Senior International Correspondent
Short white-grey haircut, wide-framed, large glasses, bright red lipstick, and a plethora of accessories – it's immediately clear who we're talking about – Iris Apfel, who worked in the interiors and fashion industries throughout her career, shot to international fame in her 80s and 90s after New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited a full collection of her eclectic clothes and accessories in 2005. Now the fashion icon, also known for her sharp-tongued humor, has passed away – Iris Apfel died on March 1 at the age of 102 at her home in Palm Beach, Florida.
Not a hint of understatement: The fashion icon in her interpretation of Trench coat styling.
After a successful career as an interior designer, the New Yorker embarked on a second career in her late 80s and became known worldwide as a model, style icon, and fashion ambassador. In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum asked her if she could contribute something for a replacement presentation due to a failed fashion exhibition. Iris Apfel could. During the subsequent visit, an incredible collection of unusual statement pieces, outfits, and accessories opened up before the astonished eyes of the curators. It was the first time The MET had dedicated an exhibition to the wardrobe of a personality.
Thanks to the exhibition and her active presence in the fashion world over the following 20 years, the senior lady became world-famous for her individual and original style. Until her old age, she was a regular guest at fashion shows, to which she last appeared in a wheelchair.
Interior architecture & design for the White House
Apfel was also successful as an entrepreneur. Together with her late husband Carl Apfel, whom she married in 1948, she set up the brand Old World Weavers – a company that specialized in striking textiles informed by things found on both their travels. Under Old World Weavers, the duo completed high-profile projects such as restoring the White House interiors for nine presidents including Harry Truman and Bill Clinton.
"More is more" – Swiss publishing house presents homage to Iris Apfel
For all her fans & followers and those who want to discover her personal style as an inspiring, life-affirming, theatrical fashion spectacle: The Zurich-based MIDAS publishing house now has published a (second) book about Iris Apfel.Star photographer Eric Boman presents an impressively photographed selection of extraordinary outfits of the fashion cult figure on over ninety magnificent color plates. The title of the opulent photo book in German perfectly matches her look: "Mehr ist mehr" - "More is more".
The Sindiso Khumalo & Other Stories Co-Lab collection will be offered in selected stores worldwide and online at stories.com.
The Iris Apfel dress style: eccentric, maximalist - favoring vibrant colors, bold patterns, audaciously large bijouterie, and a joyous spirit. ©: Eric Boman/Midas Publishing, Zurich
Born Iris Barrel in 1921 in Queens, she studied art history at New York University and art at the University of Wisconsin. After graduating, she worked for fashion magazine Women's Wear Daily before interning for interior designer Elinor Johnson.
Iris Apfel's Instagram account has 2.9 million followers. She placed her last post the day before her death.