A Legendary Style Maven Passes Away at 102 – Sky Bulletin
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The world of fashion mourns the loss of Iris Apfel, a renowned textile expert and interior designer celebrated for her distinctive and eclectic fashion sense. Apfel died at the impressive age of 102.
Lori Sale, her commercial agent, announced her passing, describing Apfel as “extraordinary”. Apfel’s death was also acknowledged on her official Instagram account, which had, just the day before, honored her 102nd-and-a-half birthday due to Leap Day.
Apfel, born on August 29, 1921, garnered attention for her striking and colorful fashion ensembles, often pairing high fashion with audacious costume jewelry. Her iconic style would typically include a combination of a bold feather boa, massive beads, bracelets, and intricately adorned Native American jackets.
Apfel became instantly recognizable with her large black-rimmed glasses, vivid red lipstick, and signature short white hair. She was a common figure at numerous fashion shows throughout her life.
Her unique fashion taste was the centerpiece of various museum exhibitions and the documentary “Iris,” crafted by filmmaker Albert Maysles.
Apfel once declared, “I’m not pretty, and I’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter. I have something much better. I have style.” She leveraged social media to inspire nearly 3 million followers on Instagram, and 215,000 followers on TikTok, engaging her audience with her unique views on fashion and style, along with her most recent collaborations.
Despite advancing in age, Apfel showed no signs of slowing down, expressing to “Today” that: “I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn’t mean you have to stop.”
“Working alongside her was the honor of a lifetime,” Sale reflected in her statement. Apfel had an impressive history as a textiles expert and, together with her husband Carl, they owned Old World Weavers, a textile company that specialized in high-profile restoration projects, including those at the White House for numerous U.S. presidents. Her client list included famous names like Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo.
Apfel’s stature in the fashion community skyrocketed after the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute displayed an exhibit about her titled “Rara Avis,” showcasing her as a master of mixing high-end and casual items in her wardrobe. The Peabody Essex Museum and the Museum of Fashion & Lifestyle are just a few places where pieces from her extensive collection will be exhibited.
Born in New York City to parents Samuel and Sadye Barrel, who operated a fashion boutique, Apfel’s later years brought even more public recognition with brand endorsements and her own accessory and jewelry line developments.
Throughout her life, Apfel remained a dedicated advocate for self-expression and individuality in fashion choices. She passed away without children, having been predeceased by her husband in 2015.
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This article was supplemented with information by Lifestyles Writer Leanne Italie.
FAQ Section
Who was Iris Apfel?
Iris Apfel was a noted interior designer, textile expert, and fashion icon known for her unique and colorful style.
How old was Iris Apfel when she passed away?
Iris Apfel passed away at the age of 102.
What was Iris Apfel known for in the fashion industry?
She was known for her daring personal style that often featured a mix of haute couture and bold costume jewelry, along with a signature look that included black-rimmed glasses, red lipstick, and short white hair.
Did Iris Apfel have any children?
No, Iris Apfel did not have children. She was survived by her extended family, friends, and admirers.
What was Iris Apfel’s approach to fashion and style?
Apfel believed in individuality and self-expression in fashion. She often said that style is something inherent and cannot be bought, unlike fashion trends.
What legacy does Iris Apfel leave behind?
Iris Apfel leaves behind a legacy of fearlessness in style, an inspiring icon for all ages, and numerous contributions to design and fashion that have been celebrated in museum exhibits and her work with various fashion brands.
Conclusion
The passing of Iris Apfel marks the end of an era in the world of fashion and style. Celebrated for her unique and fearless approach to personal style, Apfel made an indelible mark on the industry that will continue to inspire for generations to come. Her legacy will live on, not just through her many collaborations and the museum exhibits that have highlighted her contributions, but also through the countless individuals she inspired to embrace their individuality and express themselves through their fashion choices.
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