90 Is The New 20: Nine Naughty Things You Never Knew About Iris Apfel
by Payal Patel, Contributing Editor
Net Flix
“I’M JUST WALKING AROUND TO SAVE FUNERAL EXPENSES…”
She’s loveable and endearing. She’s everyone’s sweet, innocent granny –with a killer look. She’s Iris Apfel of course! She’s who I want to be when I hit 90. A style queen from Queens unlike any other, eccentric but chic, experimental yet classic, Iris Apfel has been a pioneer in the revolution of the fashion industry. She’s a stylish example of alternative aging; letting the masses catch up to her as she continues to ramp up the style barometer with everything she puts on. Read on to discover intriguing facts on this influencer like no other:
1. Supermodel to Designer
Iris Apfel was discovered in 2005 at the Costume Institute Exhibition Metropolitan Museum of Art, hosted and curated by Harold Koda. She rose to supermodel fame and went on to become the only woman that had the privilege of exhibiting her clothing and accessories line at the center without being a designer.
Vintage Iris and Carl, Source Unknown
“LIFE IS GREY AND DULL SO YOU MIGHT AS WELL HAVE FUN WHEN YOU DRESS!”
2. Modern Relics
Taking old world treasures and turning them into modern day contemporaries, Apfel founded an intimate textile company with her late husband Carl, called Old World Weavers, which primarily focused on reinventing fabrics from the 19th century, collected from their globe trotting adventures.
House & Home3. Barbie Bergdorf
Her tell tell all book, Iris Accidental Icon, took the world of fashionistas, designers and aspirees by storm. The quintessential creative designer even caught the attention of Bergdorf Goodman, who created an Iris Apfel Barbie for the launch of her book and to honour her contributions to the industry.
Vogue
Shop Iris Apfel for Rara Avis
“I DON’T JUDGE; IT’S BETTER TO BE HAPPY THAN WELL-DRESSED!”
4. Dare to Denim
At a time when equality was not a prominent part of society, and fashion endorsed gendered clothing, Apfel rose unconventionally as a revolutionary by becoming the first woman to wear jeans during a time when they were only tailored for men. Inspiration came to her whilst studying at the University of Wisconsin and ever since then, she’s been making style statements that we cannot help but love.
5. Not Tailored to Fit
Apfel did not go out of her way to rebel to be noticed; she was simply meant to stand out. In her candid conversations, the icon often talked about her ensemble style and fashion philosophies, declaring she dresses not for attention, but for herself! No biggie, babes!
Yahoo
“SHE TAUGHT ME A LOT; SHE WORSHIPPED AT THE ALTAR OF ACCESSORY”
–Iris on her mother
6. Lipservice
Apfel brought bright to MAC cosmetics with her winter collection in 2011. A spokesperson for the beauty brand at the time, she curated a bold collection of colorful lipsticks, flamboyant nail colors and dramatic yet chic eyeshadows true to her aesthetic.
Mac7. Fleeting Glares
The frames are a huge part of her signature look and it seems like everyone wants to get their hands on a pair, however, Apfel recently revealed they were just a flea market find!
“I DON’T HAVE ANY RULES BECAUSE I WOULD BE BREAKING THEM SO IT WOULD BE A WASTE OF TIME”
8. Palm Tree Winter Wonderland
As one of the oldest icons in the fashion industry, Apfel, keeps her inner child alive. Her Palm Beach house is home to Christmas paradise all year round! Hues of reds and greens along side a gigantic Christmas tree keeps it merry 12 months a year!
9. Operation Chic
The industry of chic is not the only one raving over Iris: she’s designed the interiors of the White House, keeping up with the tastes of multiple presidents of the United States. If only those walls could talk!
Spec-tacular: Shop Iris-Inspired Frames
What does Iris mean to you? Is she one of your fashion faves? Let us know below!
I had never heard of Iris but she seems like a very inspirational and revolutionary person! I love the picture of her and the doll designed after her. Great post!
Fun post! Also loved that you included the video. It’s so amazing to see what just being yourself can get you! Wear what you love because you love it, not to follow a trend. Set your own trends!
As embarrassing as this is, I only found out about Iris a few months ago. I loved this post as she is one bad-ass chick! Thanks so much for this post, I feel like I know quite a bit more about her, now. I’m off to look for more articles on her!
This post is the cutest most interesting read I’ve come across. Iris is now on my list of role models. I wish I had an ounce of her witty and funny spirit.
I was laughing so much when I read that her frames where flea market finds! She truly is the queen of wit. I love her so much.
Wow, she sounds like an awesome woman! What a fantastic fashion inspiration, and it sounds like she has a great attitude towards life too. I love the quote about not having any rules, so cool! I’ll have to remember that one, ha ha. Thanks for sharing Trace, great to learn more about this iconic lady! Have a fab week! <3 xx
Iris is so badass, she went through a lot and did a lot over the years. I love that she is still hustling today while sprinkling some of her magic. Big plus that she has inspired so many people in the industry. She does a great job with standing out as well. I love her glasses! Thanks for sharing all of these facts about Iris Apfel!
I really hope I’m this awesome at her age! Whenever I see her, she makes me smie. That said, she’s not someone I know a great deal about, so it was fun to dive into these facts. I love the fact she had a Barbie!! This was so well written and a joy to read. 🙂
5. Not Tailored to Fit
Apfel did not go out of her way to rebel to be noticed; she was simply meant to stand out. In her candid conversations, the icon often talked about her ensemble style and fashion philosophies, declaring she dresses not for attention, but for herself! No biggie, babes!
Iris is the truth! I love her style and how she lives her best life!! Loved the read. Thanks
Kendra🌸
Thanks so much Kendra–she is such an inspiration!
Trace x
I love Iris she is so awesome an inspiration x
Yes, she is indeed!
Trace x
Loved this post!! Really put a smile on my face! I love older people so right up my alley 🙂
Thanks so much Yaya! Glad you enjoyed it!
Trace x
I had never heard of Iris but she seems like a very inspirational and revolutionary person! I love the picture of her and the doll designed after her. Great post!
Thanks so much Michael, she is a one of a kind!
Trace :o)
Iris is literally goals!
This was an awesome lift to my day.
– Nyxie
https://nyxiesnook.com/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
Aww, glad I made you smile! Have a good one!
Trace x
Fun post! Also loved that you included the video. It’s so amazing to see what just being yourself can get you! Wear what you love because you love it, not to follow a trend. Set your own trends!
I absolutely agree! She is a trailblazer!
Trace x
As embarrassing as this is, I only found out about Iris a few months ago. I loved this post as she is one bad-ass chick! Thanks so much for this post, I feel like I know quite a bit more about her, now. I’m off to look for more articles on her!
Thanks Nicole! She is definitely inspiring!
Trace x
She is so iconic!
Absolutely agree with that! Thanks Sarah!
Trace x
Loved this post what an amazing lady!! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks Michelle, she is a real gem!
Trace x
She is amazing! I love this ode to her. I’d never heard of Iris, and I’m so glad that we’ve now been introduced. Thank you for sharing her legacy!
Thanks! I’m glad to have introduced her to you!
Trace x
What an interesting post! I must admit I didn’t know about Iris before your post! I’m glad you’ve written about her so I can learn more 🙂
💗 Alexx | Aesthetics by Alexx
https://aestheticsbyalexx.com
Thanks Alexx, glad you enjoyed reading about her!
Trace x
Great post, I didn’t know a lot of these things. I love Iris! My heart always warms instantly when I see her in campaigns x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Thanks Sophie! I know what you mean, she is so endearing!
Trace x
This post is the cutest most interesting read I’ve come across. Iris is now on my list of role models. I wish I had an ounce of her witty and funny spirit.
I was laughing so much when I read that her frames where flea market finds! She truly is the queen of wit. I love her so much.
Estée your lovely comments have made my day–thanks so very much! Iris is the best!
Trace x
Wow, she sounds like an awesome woman! What a fantastic fashion inspiration, and it sounds like she has a great attitude towards life too. I love the quote about not having any rules, so cool! I’ll have to remember that one, ha ha. Thanks for sharing Trace, great to learn more about this iconic lady! Have a fab week! <3 xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Thanks Bexa! Glad you enjoyed it!
Trace x
Iris is so badass, she went through a lot and did a lot over the years. I love that she is still hustling today while sprinkling some of her magic. Big plus that she has inspired so many people in the industry. She does a great job with standing out as well. I love her glasses! Thanks for sharing all of these facts about Iris Apfel!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Thanks so much Nancy! She really does drum to her own beat!
Trace x
I didn’t know about Iris, until this article. She was an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the article Natalie! Iris is a gem!
Trace x
I really hope I’m this awesome at her age! Whenever I see her, she makes me smie. That said, she’s not someone I know a great deal about, so it was fun to dive into these facts. I love the fact she had a Barbie!! This was so well written and a joy to read. 🙂
Thanks so much Ruth for the lovely comments! Glad you enjoyed it!
Trace x