When people think of Iris Apfel, it was hard not to talk about her bold and maximalist take on fashion. For years, she wowed people with her eccentric pairings, wild prints, and larger-than-life personality. Unfortunately, the fashion community would no longer see that as the interior designer passed away.
The news of Iris’ demise was confirmed through an announcement posted on her Instagram account. According to fashion news website WWD, the fashion icon died on March 1 at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, at age 102. It also reported that she died of natural causes, as per her spokesperson.
Born in Aug. 29, 1921, Iris built a colorful career as leader of a textile firm she co-founded with her husband Carl Apfel. Through the years as a textile expert, she was able to work with high-end clients, including first ladies and celebrities in America.
Iris broke boundaries in the youth-obsessed world of fashion with her sense of style. Her wardrobe was once exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City. Her fame was also evident online, with her Instagram account gaining almost three million followers. In her later years, she was able to collaborate with numerous fashion and beauty brands. Through those, she proved that style has no age limit. For her, it was a creative expression that championed one’s individuality.
“Style is not about spending a lot of money,” she said in an interview. “It’s not about what or who you wear, but how you feel when wearing something. Style is about self-expression and, above all, attitude.”
Rest in power, Iris Apfel.