Iconic American Designer and Fashion Influencer Iris Apfel Dies at 102

Published on 4 March 2024, by Juliette Blanc

Renowned American interior designer, fashion influencer, and self-proclaimed "geriatric starlet" Iris Apfel passed away at the age of 102. The news was shared on her Instagram account, featuring a photo of Apfel in her distinctive oversized glasses.

Photo by Getty Images

Iris Apfel gained international fame in her 80s and 90s when the Metropolitan Museum of Art showcased her eclectic wardrobe in the groundbreaking exhibition "Rara Avis: Selections From the Iris Apfel Collection." Born in 1921 in Queens, New York, Apfel studied art history and worked in the fashion industry before co-founding Old World Weavers with her late husband, Carl Apfel. The couple undertook notable projects, including restoring the interiors of the White House for multiple presidents.

Photo by Getty Images

Apfel continued to make waves in the fashion world, becoming a visiting lecturer at the University of Texas and even inspiring a Barbie doll in her likeness by Mattel. Designers worldwide paid tribute to Apfel's legacy, with fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger acknowledging her as a "world-famous fashion icon" for her artistic talent and influence.