When Iris Apfel, known for her exuberant fashion designs and iconic style—which included her signature round, oversized eyeglasses—died on Friday at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, at 102 years old, she left behind a legacy that transcends fashion and resonates deeply with those who value self-expression, authenticity and a desire to live artistically.
Apfel was born in 1921 in Astoria, Queens. From an early age, she was interested in fashion. As a child, she spent time in antique stores in Manhattan, and when the Great Depression hit, she learned how to sew and create stylish clothes on a limited budget. Apfel got her professional start as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily but switched to textiles when she married Carl Apfel. Together, the couple broke into the textiles business, opening up Old World Weaverswhich created reproductions of medieval and modern designs for which the couple traveled the world to gain inspiration.
Apfel’s biggest contribution to American fashion was her design restoration projects for the White House. Known for her distinctive taste and bold fashion choices, Apfel collaborated with nine presidents and their spouses on various projects, from advising on interior design to curating special events. Apfel worked with Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John F. KennedyLyndon B. Johnson, Richard NixonGerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reaganand Bill Clinton.