Don’t be like all the rest of them, Darling.
— Coco Chanel
In my Fashion vs. Style post, I referenced Iris Apfel as an example of personally defined style, “distinctly individual.” With the passing of Iris Apfel on March 1, 2024, the world became a little less stylish.
However, there is much to celebrate in the very full life of Iris. From childhood on her 102 years were always oriented to all aspects of the fashion world — textiles (she collected them as a young girl), accessories (costume jewelry and oversized glasses were her trademark), copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily ( the Bible of Fashion), interior design (she and her husband contracted with the White House over nine Presidents) and at age 97 she signed on as a model with the International agency IMG.
Though Iris was not a fashion designer the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art mounted a show highlighting her unique style. There are many honorifics celebrating her long, productive and influential life; including even a Barbie doll in her image (not for sale but two “styled by Iris” were for sale). Her image has inspired prints of her iconic style such as this one with a pin emphasizing her trademark oversized round glasses and huge costume jewelry.
In her earlier years (1950-1992), she and her husband, Carl, operated Old World Weavers reproducing antique fabrics from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. An example of such antique fabrics is this carpet bag (available from Purely Personal) made from Moroccan fabric no longer produced.
Long may Iris Apfel’s fearless, bold, confident style reign! Never be afraid to be distinctive and individual when expressing your Purely Personal style.
