Iris Apfel seems to be in the limelight quite often these days, so it’s the perfect time to get to know her better. At 91 years old, she’s an amazing example of staying active and stylish even in old age.
Born Iris Barrel in Astoria, Queens, New York, she’s the only child of Samuel Barrel, who had a glass-and-mirror business, and Sadye, his Russian-born wife, who owned a fashion boutique. Iris studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin. Early in her career, she worked for Women’s Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson.
In 1948, Iris married Carl Apfel, and two years later, they started a textile firm called Old World Weavers, which they ran until retiring in 1992. During this time, Iris worked on several design restoration projects, including the White House for nine presidents.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City featured an exhibition about her called “Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel.” Since then, her popularity has soared, appearing in places like Paper Magazine, Vogue, and the New York Times.
Currently, Iris still consults and lectures about style and fashion at the University of Texas, where she’s a professor. She’s also busy with various other projects, including her Mac cosmetics line, her work with Eye-Bobs and Yoox, and she’s set to launch her own handbag line called Extinctions in October.
Her book, “Rare bird of fashion: The irreverent Iris Apfel” by Eric Boman, is still available today, and she is also featured in Ari Seth Cohen’s “Advanced Style.” Iris is undoubtedly an inspiring woman and a true style icon. Does she inspire you? In what way?
