Carl Apfel was a textile merchant, interior designer, and the husband of fashion icon Iris Apfel. He co-founded the company Old World Weavers with Iris and worked on restoration projects for the White House and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
He was also known for his unique sense of style and his playful personality. He died in 2015 at the age of 100, just days before his 101st birthday.
Early Life and Education
Carl Apfel was born on August 4, 1914, in Bronx, New York City. He was the son of Harry and Lena Apfel, who were Jewish immigrants from Poland and Russia. He had a brother named Bezalel Apfel.
Carl attended DeWitt Clinton High School and then studied architecture at New York University. He graduated in 1937 and joined the Army Corps of Engineers during World War II. He served in North Africa, Italy, and France.
Carl Apfel Wiki/Bio
| Name | Carl Apfel |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 August 1914 |
| Died | 1 August 2015 (age 101 years), Palm Beach, Florida, United States |
| Spouse | Iris Apfel (m. 1948–2015) |
| Occupation | Textile merchant, interior designer |
| Co-founder of | Old World Weavers |
| Known for | His work on restoration projects for the White House and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, his unique sense of style, and his marriage to fashion icon Iris Apfel |
| Wikipedia | Iris_Apfel |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Business
After the war, Carl returned to New York and worked as a textile salesman. He met Iris Barrel in 1947 at a resort on Lake George in upstate New York. They fell in love and got married on February 22, 1948. They decided not to have children and instead focused on their careers and travels.
In 1950, Carl and Iris founded Old World Weavers, a textile company and interior design firm that specialized in reproducing fabrics from the 17th to early 20th centuries. They traveled around the world to find rare and exotic materials and patterns. They also collected art, antiques, and costumes from different cultures and eras.
Carl and Iris worked on various design restoration projects, including the White House for nine presidents, from Truman to Clinton. They also decorated the homes of celebrities such as Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo. They sold their company in 1992 and retired, but continued to consult for their clients.
Personal Style and Fashion
Carl was not only a successful businessman, but also a stylish and charismatic man. He had a flair for mixing colors, patterns, and textures. He often wore round-rimmed glasses, colorful bow ties, and patterned outerwear. He complimented Iris’s bold and eclectic outfits, which featured oversized glasses, colorful costume jewelry, and vintage pieces.
Carl and Iris became fashion icons in their later years, thanks to their distinctive and expressive style. They were featured in magazines, books, and documentaries.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute showcased Iris’s collection in an exhibit titled “Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection”. The exhibit was a huge success and traveled to other museums across the country. In 2014, filmmaker Albert Maysles made a documentary about Iris and Carl’s life and style, called “Iris”.
How Much Was Apfel Worth?
Apfel’s net worth is not publicly known. However, his wife Iris Apfel’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. Iris Apfel is an esteemed American businesswoman, renowned interior designer, and iconic figure in the world of fashion. She has been featured in magazines, books, documentaries, and museum exhibits. She has also collaborated with various brands and designers, such as H&M, eBay, Citroën, and MAC Cosmetics.
Income Sources
Carl Apfel’s main income source was his textile company and interior design firm, Old World Weavers, which he co-founded with Iris in 1950. The company specialized in reproducing fabrics from the 17th to early 20th centuries, and traveled around the world to find rare and exotic materials and patterns. The company also decorated the homes of celebrities such as Estee Lauder and Greta Garbo.
Carl and Iris Apfel also worked on various design restoration projects, including the White House for nine presidents, from Truman to Clinton. They sold their company in 1992 and retired, but continued to consult for their clients.
Carl also made some income from his appearances in media and fashion events. He was featured in the 2014 documentary “Iris” by Albert Maysles, which chronicled his life and style with Iris. He also attended fashion shows and parties with Iris, and was photographed by various magazines and publications.
Death and Legacy
Carl died on August 1, 2015, at his home in Palm Beach, Florida. He had congestive heart failure. He was 100 years old and was about to celebrate his 101st birthday. Iris was by his side and said that he died peacefully. She also said that he was the love of her life and her best friend.
Apfel left behind a legacy of creativity, passion, and joy. He inspired many people with his work, his style, and his personality. He was a rare and remarkable man who lived a full and adventurous life. He will always be remembered as the husband of Iris Apfel, the rare bird of fashion.
Who was Iris Apfel and How She Die?
Iris Apfel died on March 1, 2024, at her home in Palm Beach, Florida. She was 102 years old. Her death was confirmed by a spokesman for her estate, Stu Loeser, who said that she died peacefully. The cause of her death was not disclosed, but it was reported that she had been suffering from a respiratory infection.
Iris Apfel was a renowned American businesswoman, interior designer, fashion designer, and actress. She was known for her eccentric style and her work on restoration projects for the White House and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She was also the wife of Carl Apfel, who died in 2015 at the age of 100. They were both fashion icons and the subjects of a documentary film, “Iris”, by Albert Maysles.
