Iris Apfel’s Fashion Legacy

In loving memory of Iris Apfel.

Remembering Iris Apfel: The Epitome of Eclectic Style

Iris Apfel was a true fashion icon, celebrated for her bold, eccentric style and vibrant personality. Her approach to fashion, which embraced a blend of vintage, ethnic, and high-fashion elements, was as distinctive as it was inspirational. Known for her larger-than-life accessories and fearless mixing of colors and patterns, she defied fashion norms, creating a look entirely her own.

The Power of Accessories

One of the most defining aspects of Iris Apfel's style was her love for statement accessories. She was never seen without oversized, chunky jewelry, including bold necklaces, bracelets, and her iconic large eyeglasses. Her glasses became her signature accessory, often oversized and in bold, geometric shapes. Apfel’s love for maximalism was epitomized by her famous saying, "More is more and less is a bore." For her, accessories weren't just a fashion statement—they were essential to her identity.

Mixing High and Low Fashion

Iris had a gift for blending high-end pieces with more accessible finds. She was known to mix luxury designer garments with thrift store treasures, proving that great style wasn't about the price tag but about creativity. Her wardrobe was a testament to her love for global fashion, including ethnic textiles from Asia, Africa, and South America. She had an innate ability to pair these rich fabrics with contemporary high-fashion pieces, creating outfits that were truly one-of-a-kind.

A Life in Fashion and Design

Before gaining fame in the fashion world, Iris and her husband, Carl Apfel, founded a textile company that specialized in reproducing antique fabrics. This work brought her into close contact with interior design and fashion, feeding her passion for collecting unique garments and accessories. Her deep knowledge of textiles made her a natural when it came to combining textures, patterns, and styles in her own wardrobe.

It wasn’t until her later years, however, that Iris became a global fashion icon. In 2005, when she was in her 80s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art held an exhibition called Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel, showcasing her extensive wardrobe. The exhibit was a major success and propelled her into the spotlight, proving that style has no age limit.

Fashion Icon at Any Age

Iris Apfel was a shining example of how fashion can be ageless. Even as she got older, her style remained as vibrant and fearless as ever. She shattered stereotypes about aging in fashion, proving that bold colors, dramatic accessories, and an unapologetically eclectic wardrobe weren’t reserved for the young. Her fearless approach to fashion, along with her confident attitude, inspired countless people to embrace their own unique sense of style, no matter their age.

How to Emulate Iris Apfel's Iconic Style

For anyone looking to channel Iris Apfel’s signature look, the key was always to embrace boldness and individuality. Start with a pair of oversized glasses, layer on as many chunky necklaces and bracelets as you can, and don’t shy away from mixing bright colors and patterns. Whether you're combining vintage pieces with modern garments or showcasing global-inspired textiles, the essence of Iris's style was always about embracing the unexpected.

End of an era

Iris Apfel’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of fashion. She will be remembered not just as a style icon, but as a trailblazer who encouraged generations to express themselves freely through clothing. Her legacy lives on in the colorful, eclectic, and daring outfits that continue to inspire fashion enthusiasts everywhere. Iris Apfel showed the world that true style is about being yourself—and for that, she will never be forgotten.

If you want to explore more about her, her fashion philosophy, or even some of her favorite collections, check out Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel and continue to be inspired by her eclectic world of fashion!

‍