In the world of Iris Apfel, one necklace is never enough. Why settle for just one when you can adorn yourself with at least five, each vying for your attention? And a solitary bracelet? That’s positively mundane. Opt for ten, stacked on each arm. As for eyewear, it must be bold and, like everything else in her wardrobe, unforgettable.
Iris Apfel, the indomitable style icon, glamour enthusiast, fashion designer, and interior decorator, celebrates her 102nd birthday on August 29th, and her unapologetically extravagant approach to life continues to captivate hearts and minds.
If you’ve ever seen Iris, you’d notice that her jewelry has a life of its own, producing a delightful symphony of clinks and clatters with each step she takes. But it’s her oversized, round glasses that have undoubtedly become her signature. They’re not just eyewear; they’re works of art that frame her spirited gaze.
While many might opt for subtlety in their later years, Iris Apfel embraces the limelight, defying conventional notions of aging with a resounding “no” to beige cardigans and sensible shoes. Her hair, a brilliant shade of gray, serves as the perfect canvas for her bold lipstick choices—vivid reds, pinks, and oranges that defy the passage of time.
Affectionately dubbed the “oldest teenager in the world,” Iris is a digital darling, with a devoted following of over 2.8 million on her Instagram account. Her posts are a visual feast, offering glimpses into her sartorial adventures, which never wane with age.
Yet, beneath the bold accessories and vibrant hues lies a guiding philosophy that has endeared Iris to admirers around the world: “I don’t have any rules, because I would only be breaking them, so it’s a waste of time.” This candid revelation underscores her lifelong commitment to authenticity and self-expression.
Iris Apfel’s remarkable journey is a testament to the idea that style knows no age limits. She has carved a niche for herself in a world that often prizes conformity, proving that personal expression can continue to flourish and evolve, even at the ripe age of 102.
As she marks another year of life, Iris Apfel remains an enduring symbol of creativity, originality, and the irrepressible spirit that defines her unique brand of timeless style.
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In the world of Iris Apfel, fashion isn’t just about clothes; it’s all a matter of accessories. Born in New York City in 1921 during the Great Depression, Iris grew up with a piece of invaluable fashion advice from her mother: invest in a simple black dress. It’s the accessories, she was taught, that can transform a single garment into attire suitable for any occasion.
This advice was etched into her young mind. At the tender age of 11, Iris stumbled upon a captivating brooch in a basement shop in Greenwich Village. Priced at just $0.65, it became her treasure. She diligently saved every penny until she could call it her own. This singular purchase marked the inception of what would eventually become one of the most extensive private jewelry collections in the United States.
Curiosity and a unique sense of humor have guided Iris throughout her remarkable life. She continues to hunt for the perfect accessory, scouring boutiques, flea markets, and secondhand shops. What sets her apart is her uncanny ability to combine items that defy conventional wisdom, merging haute couture with the eclectic, and melding shapes and patterns that, by all accounts, should clash. Yet, when Iris assembles them, they harmonize seamlessly. She is a trendsetter, not a trend follower.
Her distinctive approach to style has garnered the attention of young fashion designers who flock to her side at gallery openings and fashion shows. Iris Apfel exudes a magnetic charm that is hard to resist.
In addition to her personal style, Iris ventured into the world of fashion design relatively recently. For decades, she was a sought-after interior designer, working with the wealthy and famous in the United States. Her unique fabric creations and her willingness to travel the world in search of inspiration set her apart. She specialized in reproducing forgotten fabrics from bygone eras.
Apfel’s reputation even led her to the White House, where she worked for nine U.S. presidents. While she has maintained discretion about her interactions with them, she has hinted at the complexities of working with some, including former First Lady Jackie Kennedy.
However, it was a 2005 exhibition at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art that transformed Iris Apfel into a fashion icon. Curator Harold Koda, intrigued by her extensive jewelry and clothing collection, showcased around 300 items of clothing and hundreds of accessories from her collection. The exhibition was a resounding success, propelling Iris into the realm of pop culture iconography. Her image now even graces a series of Iris Apfel emojis.
Following her husband’s passing in 2015, just before his 101st birthday, Iris did not retire but instead embarked on new ventures. Among her projects was the design of jewelry for the elderly, complete with integrated health-monitoring technology that could summon an ambulance in emergencies. She voiced her frustration with the fashion industry’s disregard for older individuals and signed her first modeling contract at the remarkable age of 97.
As she approaches her 102nd birthday, Iris Apfel shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to design and curate, launching collections like the Erstwilder x Iris Apfel line, which features 19 vibrant and bold pieces, including brooches, necklaces, and earrings. Other recent projects include a clothing line for H&M and a collection of iconic eyewear for Zenni Optical.
“I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death,” she declared upon becoming a centenarian. “Just because a number comes up doesn’t mean you have to stop.” With her indomitable spirit, Iris Apfel exemplifies that age is no barrier to creativity, style, and the pursuit of one’s passions.