Celebrating Iris Apfel: A Timeless Icon of Style and Creativity

The Lasting Legacy, impact and inspiration

The world recently bid farewell to one of its most vibrant personalities, Iris Apfel, whose eclectic style and spirited approach to life have left an indelible mark on the worlds of fashion and interior design. Known for her oversized glasses, bold use of color, and unique blend of high-end and thrift finds, Iris championed personal style as a form of self-expression and creativity, irrespective of age. Her journey from a New York-born fashion enthusiast to a globally recognized style icon showcases her profound impact on the fashion industry and beyond.

Iris's collaborations with renowned brands and contributions to interior design, especially in her work on White House restoration projects, highlight her multifaceted talent and innovative spirit. In this article, Hollywood Branded shares insights into the remarkable life and legacy of Iris Apfel, celebrating her as a beacon of creativity, individuality, and timeless style.

Photo credit: Vogue

A Signature Style: The Iris Apfel Look

There are few people in the world of celebrity that I am truly blown away by. Impressed by talent, yes - often. But not truly blown away by the level of awe inspiring talent, and dedication to just being a super interesting human being that makes things move and gets attention.

The world of fashion and design are morning the loss of one such person - Iris Apfel, the nonagenarian style icon known for her eclectic fashion sense, oversized glasses, and vibrant personality, who passed away this weekend at the magical age of 102 and a half years old.

Iris was a businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon known for her eclectic style and vibrant personality with a fantastic life of stories lived well. Born in 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York, she embarked on a fashion journey that would eventually make her a globally recognized figure, especially in her later years.

With her oversized glasses, bold use of color, and mix of high-end and thrift store finds, Iris championed the idea that personal style is about self-expression and creativity, regardless of age - and that getting ready for the event should be treated as a bigger deal than the event itself.

Incomparable, Iconic, and Irreverent: Iris Apfel

A beacon of creativity and self-expression, Iris's influence extended beyond the realms of fashion into interior design, where she left an indelible mark with her bold patterns and colors.

In her early career, Iris worked in the fashion industry, including a stint at Women's Wear Daily and for interior designer Elinor Johnson. She also launched Old World Weavers with her husband and love of her life Carl Apfel, a textile company that became renowned for its high-quality fabrics, reproductions, and restorations, and worked on several White House restoration projects.

Her collaborations with brands like HSN, Mattel, MAC Cosmetics, Hugo Boss, Airbnb, Zenni, Etsy, Ebay, Macy's, and Ruggable brought her unique vision of style to the masses, while her work on White House art and restoration projects alongside 9 First Ladies showcased her expertise in interior design. Iris's legacy as a fashion maven and a proponent of living life colorfully will continue to inspire generations to come, encouraging them to embrace their individuality with confidence and joy.

“Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent not only as an artist, but as an influencer. She has had an amazing effect on so many people with her huge heart and magic touch with everyone she meets. She will go down in history as an innovator and a leader in the world of textiles, style and innovation!” -  Tommy Hilfiger

THE LASTING LEGACY

Her legacy extends beyond her collaborations. She was the subject of the documentary "Iris" (2014) by legendary filmmaker Albert Maysles, which explored her life, philosophy, and influence on fashion and design. Her contributions to fashion and interior design, along with her philosophy that personal style and joy should know no age limits, have left an enduring impact on both industries.

Iris Apfel passed away as a revered icon, remembered not only for her contributions to design and fashion but also for her spirited approach to life and unwavering individuality.

"You cannot be interesting if you're not interested."  - Iris Apfel

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