A Rare Bird: Iris Apfel (14 photos)

Iris Apfel (1921 – March 1, 2024) was an extraordinary woman who remained a global fashion icon even at 102 years old. Her unique vision of style and design left an indelible mark on the fashion industry. A textile expert, interior decorator, and designer, Iris Apfel became world-famous for her oversized round glasses, chunky statement jewelry, and bright red lipstick, cementing her place in pop culture forever.





Iris Apfel was one of the most flamboyant figures in the fashion world. Her vast wardrobe could serve as a living history of 20th-century style. Iris fearlessly blended haute couture with flea market finds and travel souvenirs, pairing 19th-century textiles with runway trends from Dolce & Gabbana and Oscar de la Renta. She was a designer, collector, and co-founder of Old World Weavers, one of the world's most prestigious textile firms.



Early Life and the Rise of a "Rare Bird"

Apfel was born Iris Barrel in Queens, New York, on August 29, 1921, to Samuel Barrel and his wife Sadie, a Jewish immigrant. Fashion surrounded her from early childhood: her mother owned a hat boutique, while her father ran a mirror business. As a young girl, Iris loved decorating shop displays and visiting design studios with her father.

Once, while young Iris was out shopping, a boutique owner approached her and said:

“Young lady, you’re not pretty, and you never will be. But it doesn’t matter. You have something much better—you have style.”

Career and Business

Apfel studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin. After working as a reporter for Women’s Wear Daily, she transitioned into interior design, eventually launching her own decorating and textile import business. In 1948, Iris married Carl Apfel.





Iris and Carl Apfel in 1951

In 1950, the couple founded Old World Weavers, a textile firm specializing in reproducing antique fabrics. Iris quickly gained fame in high-society circles for her exquisite taste and keen eye for textiles. Their company was so successful that it even took on projects for the White House, serving nine U.S. presidents—from Truman to Clinton. On her frequent business trips around the globe, Apfel constantly hunted for unique pieces to expand her extraordinary wardrobe.

A Style Icon

Iris Barrel Apfel certainly knew how to make an impression. She was famous for her eccentric style—signature oversized round glasses, bold accessories, and a daring mix of textures and prints. Always swimming against the tide, she delighted in pairing thrifty flea-market finds with high-end designer pieces. Her style could be summed up in a single word: fearless.



Iris in the 1970s

Iris Apfel didn't follow trends; she set them. Her eclectic style was built on unexpected combinations of high-end luxury, budget finds, and rare vintage pieces. Famous for her exquisite taste and passion for unique collectibles, she became the face of a MAC Cosmetics ad campaign at the age of 90, endearing her to a whole new generation. She also starred in major campaigns for brands like Kate Spade and accessories designer Alexis Bittar.



90-year-old Iris starring in a MAC Cosmetics campaign, 2011

“I’m the world’s oldest living teenager,” Iris once said of herself. “All these American style icons are way too perfect for me.”

Later Years and Global Fame

In 1992, Iris and Carl retired from the textile business. But a quiet life was not in the cards—in 2005, the eccentric fashionista shot to worldwide fame.



When the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition dedicated to her unique personal style in 2005, titled "Rare Bird," Iris gained a massive new following among younger generations. The show did more than just display her inimitable wardrobe; it underscored her immense influence on the fashion industry and solidified her status as a global style icon. "Rare Bird" drew thousands of visitors, becoming one of the defining fashion events of the year.



An exhibition featuring Iris Apfel's collection.

The exhibition immersed visitors in Iris's signature world of bold eclecticism, showcasing the most striking outfits and accessories from her personal wardrobe. The show received widespread media coverage, and soon after, Apfel launched her first clothing line with HSN, appropriately named "Rare Bird."



Poster for the documentary film about Iris Apfel

In 2014, acclaimed filmmaker Albert Maysles released the critically praised documentary "Iris," detailing her life and career. The film offered viewers an intimate peek behind the scenes into the style icon's world, showcasing her treasure-filled home and exploring how she became an inspiration to generations.

“I don't care if I'm invited to a party or throwing one—the main thing is getting dressed for the party,” Apfel admitted in the film.

For her, putting together an outfit was a deeply creative process.



“I like to improvise, like I'm playing jazz.”

The director skillfully captured Iris's vibrant spirit, keen eye for style, and belief that fashion is a true art form. The documentary earned widespread acclaim among both fashion enthusiasts and cinephiles alike.



Iris Apfel at home

“If somebody doesn't like what I'm doing, it's their problem, not mine,” Iris famously said.

Further cementing her authority in the fashion world, Iris released a book provocatively titled "Rare Bird of Fashion." In it, she shared her thoughts on style, life, and staying true to oneself in a world dominated by conformity and stereotypes.



Through its pages, readers trace Iris's journey from her early days in New York to becoming an international style icon. The book serves as a testament to fashion as an art form and an empowering call to embrace individuality regardless of age or social expectations.



91-year-old Iris Apfel in 2012

Iris Apfel was living proof that true style is ageless. Her bold individuality, unique creative vision, and boundless energy made her one of the most inspirational figures in fashion. Throughout her long life, Iris taught the world to be fearless, stay true to oneself, and live colorfully.



Iris Apfel with the Barbie doll created in her honor

“I'm not pretty, and I never will be pretty, but it doesn't matter,” Iris Apfel often said. “I have something much better. I have style.”

She affectionately dubbed herself the world's oldest living starlet. Age never intimidated her.

“I don't see anything wrong with a wrinkle. It's a badge of courage,” she declared.



And if you'd like to glean a bit of wisdom from this legendary icon, here are 10 style and life lessons from Iris Apfel: