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Iris Apfel

Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, textile expert, and fashion icon known for her bold personal style and oversized eyeglasses.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, textile expert, and fashion icon known for her bold personal style and oversized eyeglasses. She became widely recognized later in life, especially after a 2005 Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition of her clothing and accessories. She died in 2024 at age 102.

Early life and education

Iris Apfel was born Iris Barrel on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York City.

Career in textiles and interior design

Apfel and her husband, Carl Apfel, founded Old World Weavers, a textile company specializing in antique fabric reproductions. Her design work included restoration and decorating projects for the White House.

Fashion icon and public image

Apfel was known for her bold personal style and oversized eyeglasses. Her eclectic fashion sense and maximalist approach made her a late-life fashion icon.

Recognition and legacy

The Metropolitan Museum of Art featured Apfel's wardrobe and accessories in the 2005 exhibition 'Rara Avis.' The exhibition helped cement her public reputation as a fashion icon. Apfel's influence extended to Canadian fashion and design audiences through museum culture, media coverage, and her status as an international style icon. She died on March 1, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 102.

Key facts

  • Iris Apfel was born in Queens, New York City.
  • She co-founded Old World Weavers with her husband Carl Apfel and worked on restoration projects for the White House.
  • Her eclectic style and oversized glasses made her a late-life fashion icon.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art featured her wardrobe in the 2005 exhibition 'Rara Avis.'
  • She died in 2024 at age 102.
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Canadian context

Apfel’s influence extended to Canadian fashion and design audiences through museum culture, media coverage, and her status as an international style icon.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Iris Apfel?
Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, textile expert, and fashion icon known for her distinctive personal style.
What was Iris Apfel known for?
She was known for her eclectic fashion sense, oversized glasses, and influence as a late-life style icon.
What was Old World Weavers?
Old World Weavers was the textile company Apfel co-founded with her husband, Carl Apfel, specializing in antique fabric reproductions.
Why was the 2005 Met exhibition important?
The exhibition 'Rara Avis' presented her clothing and accessories at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and helped cement her public reputation as a fashion icon.
When did Iris Apfel die?
She died on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iris_Apfel
    Supports: Birth and death dates, birth name, occupations, style reputation, and summary biographical details.
  2. BBC Culture — https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240302-how-iris-apfel-became-an-icon-in-her-90s
    Supports: Her recognition as a fashion icon later in life and death at age 102.
  3. The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/mar/03/iris-apfel-obituary
    Supports: Obituary details, career as decorator and fashion stylist, and late-life fame.
  4. Jewish Women's Archive — https://jwa.org/encyclopedia/article/apfel-iris
    Supports: Queens upbringing, Old World Weavers, White House restoration work, and Rara Avis exhibition.
  5. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3846278/bio/
    Supports: Birth name, birthplace, marriage to Carl Apfel, and death place/date.