Íris Apfel: A Fashion Icon Bids Adieu, Leaving a Colourful Legacy

Íris Apfel, the unparalleled force behind the dazzling world of fashion, bids her final farewell at the age of 102, dimming the vibrant colours of an era that she helped define. Born in Astoria, Queens, in 1921, her journey began as an interior designer but soon transcended to become a globally celebrated fashion phenomenon.

Known for her audacious and eclectic style, Íris became an icon, redefining the boundaries of conventional aesthetics with a unique blend of textures, patterns, and accessories. Her distinct fashion choices were not merely garments; they were vibrant strokes on the canvas of self-expression, inspiring designers and admirers alike.

Behind the curtain of her flamboyant style, Íris Apfel had a life adorned with curiosities. Together with her husband, Carl Apfel, they founded Old World Weavers, a fabric and design company that left an indelible mark on renowned places, including the White House. In 2005, she became the first woman to host an individual exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled "Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection."

As we lament the passing of Íris, her departure signifies more than the end of an era; it's the fading of a kaleidoscope that illuminated runways and everyday lives. In her 90s, she graced advertising campaigns for prestigious brands, demonstrating that style and authenticity are timeless.

Beyond the realm of fashion, Íris shared wisdom on embracing individuality and fearless self-expression. Her interviews resonated with a call to experiment, to push boundaries, and to revel in the beauty of personal uniqueness.

Today, the world mourns the loss of Íris Apfel, a luminary in the cosmos of fashion. The legacy she leaves behind is not just a collection of garments but a vibrant testament to the power of embracing one's true self. The fashion world dims a bit as it loses not just an icon but a spirited maestro who conducted the symphony of colour and authenticity. May her indomitable spirit continue to echo through the fabric of the fashion landscape that she so brilliantly adorned.