Iris Apfel – the 93-year-old grand dame with the loud outfits and large glasses is probably one of the most striking celebrities of international fashion. Besides her extravagant look, she is renowned for her love of fashion – although she also recognises that clothes and trends should never be taken too seriously. For her, it is more about finding the real ‘you’ – rather than trying to be anybody else. Or, as Iris Apfel once said, “The greatest fashion faux-pas is looking in the mirror and seeing someone else – relax.”
Top outfitter
Apfel’s career began as as a History of Art graduate in New York and Wisconsin. She then went on to work for Women’s Wear Daily and finally founded her own textile company in the 1950s, together with her husband, Carl. Apart from international stars, her customers also included the White House.
Iris Apfel is still a sought-after stylist today. She models for numerous campaigns – most recently for the H&M company &otherstories – and shines out amongst all the other smooth-skinned supermodels.
More than just fashion
Ten years ago, the Metropolitan Museum in New York hosted a major exhibition (The Irreverent Iris Apfel) in her honour. The documentary ‘Iris’, directed by Albert Maysles, will be a cinematic remembrance to the icon.
‘Iris’ will be in cinemas from 29 April. The trailer can be viewed here.
