Iris Apfel: The Queen of Cool Clothes!

Iris Apfel, born Iris Barrel on August 29, 1921, was far more than a sartorial sensation; she was a shrewd businesswoman with a profound understanding of textiles and design. Her entrepreneurial journey began in earnest with her husband, Carl, when they established Old World Weavers in 1950. This textile firm specialized in reproducing antique fabrics, a niche that required meticulous research, an exceptional eye for detail, and a deep appreciation for historical craftsmanship.

Their expertise and dedication led to a prestigious and long-standing contract with the White House. From the Truman administration through George H.W. Bush, Apfel's company was instrumental in restoring and redecorating various rooms, including the iconic Oval Office.

This sustained involvement at the highest echelons of American power underscores her professional credibility and the enduring quality of her work, demonstrating a career built on substance long before her public fashion persona emerged.

Apfel's personal style evolved into a globally recognized signature, characterized by its fearless maximalism and eclectic layering. Her approach to fashion was deeply personal, viewing clothing and accessories not as mere adornments but as extensions of her personality and artistic expression. She famously championed the idea of dressing for oneself, stating, 'Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers.

Style is what you choose yourself.' This philosophy empowered individuals to curate their own looks, blending high fashion with vintage finds and unique accessories. Her iconic oversized spectacles, often described as 'like portholes,' became a symbol of her distinctive vision, framing a face that radiated confidence and a playful spirit. Apfel’s collections of costume jewelry, amassed over decades, were not just accessories but wearable art, each piece telling a story and contributing to her Gesamtkunstwerk – a total work of art.

While Apfel had long been a respected figure in design circles, her transition into a mainstream fashion icon was catalyzed by the groundbreaking 2005 exhibition at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. Titled 'Rara Avis (Rare Bird),' the show curated by Andrew Bolton showcased over 80 of Apfel's ensembles, highlighting her extraordinary collection of jewelry and accessories. The exhibition was unique in its presentation: Apfel's own clothes were styled on mannequins in the manner she would wear them, offering an intimate glimpse into her creative process and her unparalleled ability to juxtapose disparate elements into cohesive, visually stunning outfits.

This exhibition not only celebrated her personal style but also elevated costume jewelry and the art of personal curation to a new level of critical and popular acclaim, solidifying her status as a cultural phenomenon.

Iris Apfel's influence permeates contemporary culture, extending beyond fashion and design into broader conversations about aging, individuality, and creative longevity. The 2014 documentary 'Iris' by Albert Maysles provided an intimate portrait of her life, further amplifying her message and reaching a global audience. Her continued relevance was underscored by her signing with IMG Models in 2019 at the remarkable age of 97, leading to campaigns and runway appearances that challenged conventional notions of age in the fashion industry.

Apfel consistently advocated for authenticity and self-expression, encouraging people to embrace their uniqueness. Her legacy is one of fearless creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the profound understanding that style is not dictated by age or trends, but by an individual's courage to be unapologetically oneself.