Rare bird - Iris Apfel
Fashion icon, businesswoman and creative soul Iris Apfel is celebrating her 102nd birthday this year. Her unique vision of the world, style and design has left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and continues to inspire generations of designers, stylists and ordinary fashion lovers.
Iris Apfel is one of the most extravagant women in the fashion world. Her vast wardrobe can serve as an example of the history of fashion in the 20th century. Iris boldly combines Haute Couture with finds from flea markets and accessories brought from travels, 19th century textiles with fashion trends from Dolce & Gabbana, Oskar de la Renta. She is a designer, collector and creator of one of the world's most prestigious textile firms, Old World Weavers.
Apfel was born in the New York area of Queens on August 29, 1921 in the family of Samuel Burrell and a Jewish immigrant from Russia, Sadie. She was surrounded by fashion since childhood: her mother owned a boutique of fashionable hats, and her father was the owner of a company that produces mirrors. As a child, little Iris loved decorating shop windows and going to the design studio with her father.
Once upon a time, little Iris was shopping. The owner of the store approached her and said:
Apfel studied fine arts at the University of Wisconsin and New York University. After working as a correspondent for Women's Wear Daily, she retrained as an interior designer and later opened her own business, decorating and importing textiles. In 1948, Iris married Karl Apfel.
In 1950, the Apfels founded Old World Weavers, a company specializing in the import of unique textile materials. Very soon, Iris became famous in elite circles due to her unique taste and flair for textiles. Their company was so successful that it even worked for the White House. They served 9 US presidents - from Truman to Clinton. Traveling the world during numerous business trips, Apfel continued to replenish her wardrobe with the most unusual things.
Iris Barrel Apfel definitely knows how to surprise and impress with her appearance. This woman has always had an eccentric style. Huge round glasses, bright accessories, a combination of different textures and prints - all this has become her trademark. Always swimming against the current, she loves to pair cheap thrift finds with designer pieces. Her style can be summed up in one word: fearless.
Iris Apfel doesn't follow trends, she creates them herself. Her eclectic style lies in an unusual combination of high-end, budget and vintage elements. Iris became famous for her unusual taste, love for rare collectibles. At the age of 90, she became the face of an advertising campaign for MAC Cosmetics, making her an icon for the younger generation. She is also known for shooting for advertising brands such as Kate Spade, Alexis Bittar (accessories).
In 1992, Iris and Carl retired from textile business. But they didn’t manage to live a measured life - in 2005, the whole world heard about the eccentric fashionista.
After the 2005 Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition called "A Rare Bird" dedicated to her inimitable style, Iris gained a new army of admirers among the younger generation. The exhibition not only showed the inimitable style of Iris, but also emphasized her influence on the fashion industry and her status as a style icon. The Rare Bird attracted thousands of visitors and became one of the top fashion events of that year.
This exhibition project immersed visitors in the world of eclecticism and courage, characteristic of Iris. The most noticeable and bright ensembles from her personal collection of clothes and accessories were presented. The exhibition was shown on all channels, and soon Apfel had already created her first clothing line with HSN under the same name "Rare Bird".
In 2014, the documentary Iris, directed by Albert Mayles, was made about Iris's life and career and received many positive reviews. The film provides viewers with a unique behind-the-scenes look at the style icon's life, showing her home where her iconic outfits are kept and how she has been an inspiration for generations.
She considers creating a style and choosing an outfit a creative activity.
The director of the film masterfully conveyed the essence and character of Iris, her lively spirit, as well as her incredible sense of style and attitude towards fashion as an art form. This documentary project quickly became popular and recognized not only among fashion fans, but also among connoisseurs of cinema.
In confirmation of her undeniable authority in the world of fashion, Iris released a book with the provocative title "Rare Bird of Fashion". In this piece, she shares her thoughts on fashion, life, and how to maintain individuality in a world dominated by standards and stereotypes.
Through the pages of the book, the reader can follow Iris's journey from her early years in New York to her rise to become a global fashion star. This work not only shows that fashion is an art, but also gives inspiration to be yourself, despite all the opposition and stereotypes.
Iris Apfel is living proof that true style knows no age. Her daring personality, unique fashion vision and unquenchable energy make her one of the most inspiring personalities in the fashion world. Throughout her life, Iris has taught us to be brave, stay true to ourselves, and live brightly.
102 years is not just a number for Iris Apfel. This is more than a century of creativity, passion and unwavering loyalty to your unique vision of the world. The "rare bird" of world fashion continues to fly high, remaining an inspiration for all of us.
And if you want to take some wisdom from an elegant old lady, then here are 10 tips for style and a chic life from Iris Apfel