From Flea Market Finds to the Met Gala: A Life in Bold Prints and Big Personalities
Iris Apfel, a name synonymous with outrageous style and infectious zest for life, passed away on Friday at her Palm Beach home. While most fashionistas hit their peak in their youth, Apfel defied expectations, becoming a global icon in her 80s and 90s. Her audacious approach to fashion, a flamboyant blend of vintage treasures and high fashion, not only challenged the status quo but also captured the hearts of millions.
A Life Less Ordinary: From Interiors to Iris Apfel
Born Iris Barrel in 1921, Apfel’s journey began far from the glitz and glamour of fashion runways. She studied art history and honed her design skills, eventually establishing a successful interior design firm alongside her husband, Carl. Their company, Old World Weavers, catered to an impressive clientele, restoring textiles for presidents from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton.
A Wardrobe Fit for a Museum (Literally!)
While Apfel’s design work flourished, her true passion resided in her personal style. Imagine a kaleidoscope come to life – a clash of textures, vibrant colors, and unexpected juxtapositions. Think a boxy Bill Blass jacket paired with a flowing Hopi skirt, or a feathered evening coat complementing ripped suede pants. Her accessories were just as captivating – oversized bangles, statement necklaces that grazed her knees, and of course, her signature owlish spectacles.
This wasn’t just about looking outlandish; it was a celebration of individuality. “When you don’t dress like everybody else, you don’t have to think like everybody else,” Apfel once proclaimed. This philosophy not only resonated with fashion enthusiasts but also transcended the world of clothing. It was a call to embrace one’s uniqueness and express oneself with confidence.
From Park Avenue to Pop Culture Stardom
Apfel’s vibrant wardrobe wasn’t just a source of personal joy; it became a cultural phenomenon. In a twist of fate, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, facing a last-minute exhibition cancellation, approached Apfel with a daring proposition – a showcase dedicated entirely to her clothing. “Rara Avis: Selections From the Iris Apfel Collection” became an instant sensation, drawing crowds from fashionistas to art history students, all eager to witness the audacious brilliance of her personal style.
The Accidental Icon: From Museum Exhibit to Global Brand
Overnight, Apfel transformed from a sophisticated New Yorker to a global icon. Magazine covers, advertising campaigns, and television appearances became commonplace. Universities invited her to lecture, documentaries chronicled her life, and even Mattel immortalized her in a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll. At 97, she signed a modeling contract, proving that age is truly just a number.
A Legacy of Joyful Self-Expression
Iris Apfel’s story is more than just a testament to audacious fashion choices. It’s a celebration of living life to the fullest, embracing individuality, and never being afraid to stand out from the crowd. Her legacy extends far beyond the world of fashion, inspiring generations to express themselves with confidence and a touch of joyful quirkiness. As Duro Olowu, a fashion designer, aptly stated, “It’s not a trend. It appeals to a certain kind of joy in everybody.” Iris Apfel may be gone, but her vibrant spirit and message of joyful self-expression will undoubtedly continue to inspire for years to come.
