United States: Iris Apfel, a fashion icon, who found fame as an octogenarian, has died at her home in Palm Beach, Florida at age 102. Apfel’s estate spokesman, Stu Loeser confirmed that she died of natural causes surrounded by longtime caregivers.
Apfel was a renowned expert on antique textiles, and often provided consultation on restoration projects, including those at the White House. She was the subject of various museum exhibitions and a documentary and was featured in campaigns for H&M, eBay, and Citroën. A Barbie doll was even made in her likeness.
The fashion tastemaker had a unique personal style that was lively and quirky, with a generous sprinkle of humour. She referred to herself as “the world’s oldest living teenager” in her Instagram bio, where she had over 2 million followers. Her philosophy was clear: “More is more and less is a bore.”
Iris Barrel was born in Queens, New York in 1921. She attended New York University where she studied art history before later moving on to the University of Wisconsin to attend art school. Her first job was as a copywriter at Women’s Wear Daily. After this, she worked for interior designer Elinor Johnson and illustrator Robert Goodman.
In 1948, Iris married Carl Apfel and together they launched the textile firm Old World Weavers two years later. They ran the company until their retirement in 1992, during which they undertook restoration projects for clients such as Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder, as well as working on the interiors of the White House, serving nine presidents including Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan, and Clinton.
The couple specialised in fabric reproductions from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and spent a lot of their time travelling the world in search of unique textiles that were not available in the United States.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York held an exhibition featuring a collection of vintage and designer accessories and clothes belonging to Iris Apfel. The exhibition was titled ‘Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel,’ and it was a unique event as it was the first time the Met had focused on a living female who was not a designer. Another first was that Apfel styled the mannequins herself, showcasing her distinctive and flamboyant fashion sense.
Apfel loved mixing different styles, textures, and prints. Her fashion exhibition gained popularity through word of mouth and caught the attention of famous designers like Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. She bequeathed her entire collection to the Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts.
At 91, the style icon became the oldest cover star for Dazed Magazine and later signed with IMG modelling agency following guidance from Tommy Hilfiger. At 101, she landed her first beauty campaign with Ciaté London.
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