Iris Apfel Wikipedia: Wiki, Quotes, House, Death, Net Worth, Young, Kids, Children, Daughter, Designs, Age

Iris Apfel Wikipedia, Wiki, Quotes, House, Death, Net Worth, Young, Kids, Children, Daughter, Designs, Age

Iris Apfel Wikipedia, Wiki, Quotes, House, Death, Net Worth, Young, Kids, Children, Daughter, Designs, Age: Iris Apfel was a famous American businesswoman and fashion designer. She is known for her bold style, big glasses, and lively personality. She worked with her husband, Carl, in their textile business from 1950 to 1992, which even had a contract with the White House that lasted through nine presidents. When she retired, she became even more famous because of a special show in 2005 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she displayed her unique collection of jewelry and dressed up mannequins in her style.

Iris became a big fashion star and was the main focus of the 2014 documentary called “Iris” by Albert Maysles. In 2019, at the age of 97, she signed with a modeling agency called IMG. Iris was admired for being fun, unique, and fashionable.

Iris Apfel Wikipedia and Early Life:

Iris Apfel Wikipedia
Iris Apfel Wikipedia

Iris Apfel, who was born Iris Barrel, came into the world on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She was the only child of her dad, Samuel Barrel, who had a glass and mirror business, and her mom, Sadye “Syd” Barrel, who ran a fashion boutique. Both her parents were Jewish, and her mom was originally from Russia. Iris Apfel, who was born Iris Barrel, came into the world on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She was the only child of her dad, Samuel Barrel, who had a glass and mirror business, and her mom, Sadye “Syd” Barrel, who ran a fashion boutique. Both her parents were Jewish, and her mom was originally from Russia.

CategoryDetails
BirthIris Barrel was born on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York City
FamilyParents: Samuel Barrel (glass and mirror business) and Sadye “Syd” Barrel (fashion boutique)
MarriageMarried Carl Apfel on February 22, 1948
EducationStudied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin

Though Iris grew up on a farm with her parents and grandparents, she often took the subway into the city to explore. When Iris was just a little kid, she loved to visit antique shops, where she began her amazing collection of jewelry from all around the world. Her family was really creative, even during the tough times of the Great Depression. They could sew, drape fabric, glue things together, and paint, always making beautiful things without spending much money. Iris went to art school at the University of Wisconsin at New York University for her education.

Iris Apfel Career:

On February 22, 1948, she married Carl Apfel. Two years later, in 1950, they started a business together called Old World Weavers. The Apfels traveled to Europe twice a year to find unique textiles they couldn’t get in the United States. Their showroom was in New York City, at 115 East 57th Street in Manhattan.

Iris Apfel worked on lots of design projects, including ones at the White House, where she helped decorate for nine different presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Bill Clinton.

Iris Apfel Career

In 2011, Iris Apfel went as a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where she taught about the fabrics and clothes department. In 2016, she appeared in a TV commercial for a French car called DS 3 and became the star of an Australian clothing brand called Blue Illusion. In the same year, she partnered with a tech company named WiseWear to make a collection of smart jewelry.

In 2018, HarperCollins published her biography, “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon.” A year later, at the age of 97, she signed a modeling contract with the global agency IMG, thanks to a push from designer Tommy Hilfiger, who thought she deserved formal representation because everyone wanted her at their events.

YearCareer Milestone
1940sWorked as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily and assistant to interior designer Elinor Johnson
1948Married Carl Apfel
1950Co-founded Old World Weavers, a textile firm specializing in recreating historical fabrics
1950-1992Ran Old World Weavers, working on design projects for clients like the White House
2005Received acclaim for a special show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring her costume jewelry collection
2011Appeared in a TV commercial for the French car DS 3 and became the face of Australian brand Blue Illusion
2016Appeared in a TV commercial for the French car DS 3 and became the face of the Australian brand Blue Illusion
2016Announced a collaboration with tech startup WiseWear on a line of smart jewelry
2018Published her biography “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon”
2019Signed with global modeling agency IMG at age 97

Iris Apfel Personal Life:

Iris and Carl Apfel didn’t have children, mainly because their work required them to travel a lot. Iris didn’t want her kids to be raised by a nanny. They had a favorite perfume called Yatagan by Caron that they both loved. Carl and Iris were married for 67 years. Carl passed away on August 1, 2015, when he was 100 years old. Iris celebrated her 100th birthday on August 29, 2021.

Iris Apfel Legacy:

On September 13, 2005, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City opened an exhibition about Iris Apfel’s unique style. It was called “Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel.” This was the first time the museum had focused on the clothing and accessories of a living person who wasn’t a fashion designer.

The exhibition was a big hit, Iris Apfel’s fashion was so awesome, so they created a traveling version that was shown at different museums. In Boynton Beach, Florida, the Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History is designing a new building with a special gallery dedicated to Iris Apfel’s clothes, accessories, and furnishings. It’ll be a place to see her amazing style and creativity.

Iris Apfel Death:

Iris Apfel died at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102. She was buried at Beth David Cemetery.

Related:

Iris Apfel Interview:

FAQ About Iris Apfel:

Where did Iris Apfel get her money?

Iris Apfel earned her money through her successful textile business, Old World Weavers, and later through her work as a fashion icon, model, and lecturer.

What is Iris Apfel most famous for?

Iris Apfel is most famous for her bold fashion sense, characterized by oversized glasses, vibrant outfits, and an eclectic collection of jewelry, as well as her enduring influence in the fashion and design worlds.

What happened to Iris Apfel?

Iris Apfel passed away at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102. She left behind a legacy of style, creativity, and inspiration, admired by countless people for her vibrant personality and unique fashion sense.

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