Iris Apfel

An AI generated depiction of Iris Apfel.

Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, fashion icon, and author celebrated for her fearless personal style and lifelong belief that fashion should be an expression of individuality. Born on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York, she built a successful career in interior design with her husband, Carl Apfel, through their textile company, Old World Weavers, which restored and reproduced historic fabrics for prestigious clients, including the White House, serving nine U.S. presidents. Although she worked in design for decades, Apfel achieved worldwide fame later in life after a 2005 exhibition of her eclectic wardrobe at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art introduced her bold aesthetic to a global audience.

Known for her oversized round eyeglasses, vibrant layered clothing, chunky jewelry, and love of mixing vintage finds with high fashion, Iris Apfel became a symbol of creativity, confidence, and self-expression. She collaborated with major fashion and home décor brands, wrote books, appeared in documentaries, and inspired people of all ages to embrace their own unique style rather than follow trends. Her influence extended far beyond fashion, proving that creativity has no age limit and that authenticity is the greatest form of elegance. Iris Apfel passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of the world's most beloved and influential style icons.