Iris Apfel, the queen of New York fashion: an eccentric and unforgettable icon
New York bid farewell to an undisputed fashion icon on Friday, Iris Apfel, the extraordinary designer and star of Queens, who passed away at the age of 102. The news was announced through her Instagram account, where the artist used to share details of her extraordinary life. The last post, dated February 29, celebrated her “102 and a half birthday” with a photo of her wearing a sumptuous gold patterned dress and generously sized black glasses.
Born in 1921 to a Jewish family in New York, Iris Apfel studied art history before leaving an indelible mark on the fashion world. Her career led her to become a renowned interior designer, participating in the renovation of the White House for nine presidents, from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton. Her eclectic talent did not stop there: Apfel also collaborated with prestigious brands such as Citroën, Magnum, Happy Socks, and Mac, leaving a mark in fashion, advertising, and beyond.
With an extraordinary online presence of 2.9 million followers on Instagram, Iris Apfel never ceased to inspire and amaze the public. Recently, she even signed a collection for H&M, demonstrating that her creative spirit remained unchanged despite the passage of time. Despite her advanced age, the centenarian fashionista continued to attend the most prestigious events in the fashion world, flaunting her unmistakable style even in her wheelchair.
Her Park Avenue apartment was a fashion haven, hosting an extraordinary collection of garments from the greatest designers of the 20th century. In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York dedicated a retrospective to her, celebrating her extraordinary passion for fashion and her ability to turn every outfit into a work of art.
Iris Apfel’s life was not without challenges, such as the loss of her husband Carl in 2015, with whom she had shared 67 years of marriage. Despite the pain, Iris continued to embody the joy of living and a love for eccentricity, urging women to break free from conventions and embrace diversity in fashion. Her mantra, “dare to be different!” resonates as an invitation to challenge standards and embrace authenticity.
Her extraordinary career, unmistakable style, and ability to turn every challenge into an opportunity for creative expression will remain in the collective imagination, inspiring future generations to dare and celebrate their uniqueness. Iris Apfel, the queen of New York fashion, has left us an indelible legacy that will continue to shine in the world of fashion forever.
ARTICOLO DISPONIBILE IN ITALIANO: Addio a Iris Apfel, la regina della moda di New York
