In honor of her recent passing and the irreplaceable loss suffered within the fashion industry, we are crushing on a fashion Icon, interior designer, and textile expert this week—the extraordinary Iris Apfel.
One hundred two years with us, Iris Apfel created looks that inspired the masses. Her passion for individuality is what breathed through everything she did. Iris rose to fame in 2005 when The Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City hosted events honoring her fashion expression in a show called “Rara Avis,” Latin for “rare bird,” which is exactly what she was. The exhibit described her style and what we all will remember Iris as: “both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.” The documentary self-titled “Iris” further showcased this, which highlighted her unique contributions to the world and industry. Beloved by her nearly 3 million followers, Iris was known for standing out in every show she attended and every room she entered.
(Photo Credit: FOX 29)
Iris Apfel’s influence extended far beyond her style. She became a sought-after collaborator and designer, leaving an indelible mark on various facets of the fashion business. She debuted collaborations with renowned brands such as Kate Spade, a collection of accessories and jewelry for the Home Shopping Network, and sold-out with H&M. She has also crossed industries working with makeup brands like M.A.C. cosmetics and Ciaté London, and released a homeware line with Ruggable. Apfel partnered with Zenni to create an eyeglass collection, embracing her distinctive eyewear style. These projects attest to her legacy of multifaceted contributions of creativity that she brought into the world.
(Photo Credit: Inquirer)
To follow and explore Iris’s journey is to discover an immensely passionate person who strived for everyone to embrace their individuality. She gave herself the title “accidental icon” in a book she produced, but it is no accident why her followers and peers loved her so much. Iris Apfel’s unconventional charm and distinctive style, documented within pop culture and fashion history, will continue to resonate and captivate the masses, reminding us that true icons are often found in the most unexpected places.
“When you don’t dress like everyone else, then you don’t have to think like everyone else.” – Iris Apfel.
