Iris Apfel is a style icon, entrepreneur and interior designer born August 29, 1921 in Astoria, Queens, New York City. You have recently made headlines again for having signed, at the age of 97, a contract for IMG, one of the most important modeling agencies in the world and which also has Gigi Hadid and Kaia Gerber under its wings, thus becoming the oldest model to tread the international catwalks.
IRIS BARREL
Iris nee Barrel grew up on a farm not too far from Manhattan, with her father Samuel, who had a glass and mirror company, and her Russian-born mother Sadye, who owned a fashion boutique. Since she was a child, Iris has been surrounded by clothes, accessories, sewing machines and the desires of women. Driven by this and by her proverbial curiosity, she often takes the subway to reach the city center and visit the antique shops of her favorite neighborhood, Greenwich Village.
After studying History at New York University and attending the Art Academy at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, he began working collaborating with the Women’s Wear Dailyconsidered the fashion bible of the time. Right from the start Iris stood out in the jet set for her original and extravagant choices. His early motto, which he will keep throughout his long career, is «More is More & Less is a Bore».
CAREER AND LOVE
In February 1948 she married Carl Apfelwith whom he will also begin an artistic and working partnership by founding the textile company Old World Weavers, specialized in the reproduction of antique fabrics. The couple comes to success and notoriety after taking care of the interior design of the White House for President Truman, to be followed by eight others up to Clinton. But not only that, the two climb the heights of the star system taking care of the style and acting as consultants for the archi-stars engaged in the designing the ultra-luxury homes of some of the greatest celebrities of the timelike Greta Garbo and Montgomery Clift.
In the 2000s, Iris Apfel is now internationally recognized for her bold and eclectic style, which she displayed in high-profile fashion and advertising campaigns: she has been the muse of designers such as Dries Van Noten and featured in an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005.
In addition to his work in the world of fashion and designApfel is also an advocate for empowering women and aging gracefully. She has been the protagonist of numerous documentaries, including Irisa 2014 film directed by the late Albert Maysles.
In 2015 she remains the widow of her beloved Carlcontinuing to remember him in various interviews and on her social profiles, declaring herself still in love with the man with whom she built an empire of style, her great companion in the collection of jewels and art objects from all over the world.
MODEL AT 100 YEARS OLD
Iris Apfel began her modeling career at the age of 97 and continued to work in the fashion and beauty industry until she was 101 years old. She has been the protagonist of advertising campaigns for brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Kate Spade and the French fashion line Bon Marché. In 2020, at the age of 98, she also collaborated with eyewear brand Bernardaud to create a collection of sunglasses and eyeglasses. Her modeling career is an example of how age shouldn’t limit your career opportunities in the fashion world and how beauty and style can be appreciated regardless of age.
Iris Apfel’s style is unique and unmistakable, characterized by colorful dresses, eye-catching accessories and unusual combinations of fabrics and patterns; she is inspired by popular culture, international fashion, art and architecture, and her creativity in mixing fabrics, colors and accessories has made her a style icon recognized all over the world.
Among her signature pieces are oversized sunglasses, eye-catching jewelry and accessories, fur coats, rich fabrics and colorful dresses. Her bold and unconventional style has become a trademark and is still an inspiration for many designers and fashion enthusiasts today.
Joseph Pepin