Iris Apfel Parents, Children, Age, Net Worth, Spouse, Height, Biography & More
Iris Apfel, who passed away on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102, was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the world of fashion, design, and art. She was known for her eclectic and eccentric style, her colorful collection of clothes and accessories, and her witty and wise personality.
She was also a successful businesswoman, an interior designer, a model, an actress, and a professor. In this article, we will explore the life and legacy of Iris Apfel, the woman who inspired millions with her flair and courage.
Early Life and Education
Iris was born on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She was the only child of Samuel and Sadye Barrel, who were both Jewish immigrants from Russia. Her father owned a glass and mirror business, while her mother ran a fashion boutique. Iris grew up surrounded by creativity and entrepreneurship and developed a love for art, history, and culture.
She often rode the subway to Manhattan, where she explored the antique shops and museums of Greenwich Village. She started collecting jewelry and accessories from around the world at a young age, which would later become her signature style.
Iris studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin. She also worked as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily, an assistant to illustrator Robert Goodman, and an assistant to interior designer Elinor Johnson. She honed her skills in writing, drawing, and decorating, and learned how to source rare and beautiful items.
Iris Apfel Wiki | BIO
| Name | Iris Apfel |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Iris Barrel |
| Birth date | August 29, 1921 |
| Birthplace | Queens, New York City, U.S. |
| Death date | March 1, 2024 |
| Death place | Palm Beach, Florida, U.S. |
| Occupation | Businesswoman, interior designer, fashion designer, model, actress |
| Years active | 1950–2024 |
| Spouse | Carl Apfel (m. 1948; d. 2015) |
| Education | New York University, University of Wisconsin |
| Awards | Peabody Award, Chevalier of the Legion of Honor |
| iris.apfel | |
| Wikipedia | Iris_Apfel |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Career and Business
In 1948, Iris married Carl Apfel, a textile designer and artist. They shared a passion for travel, art, and design, and in 1950, they launched their own textile company, Old World Weavers. The company specialized in reproducing fabrics from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, using traditional techniques and materials.
The Apfels traveled to Europe twice a year to find textiles that they could not find in the United States. They also worked on various design restoration projects, including the White House, where they served nine presidents from Truman to Clinton. They restored the curtains, furniture, and wallpapers of the presidential residence, using their expertise and taste.
The Apfels also had a flair for fashion, and they dressed in a unique and expressive way. They mixed and matched clothes and accessories from different eras, cultures, and styles, creating a look that was bold and original. They did not follow trends or rules, but rather followed their own instincts and preferences. They also did not care about labels or prices, but rather about quality and beauty. They amassed a huge collection of clothes and accessories, which they stored in their homes in New York and Palm Beach.
Physical Stat & More
| Height (approx.) | In Feet Inches: 5′ 6″. In Meters: 1.67 m. In Centimetres: 167 cm. |
| Weight (approx.) | In Kilograms: 55 kg. In Pounds: 121 lbs. |
| Hair Color | Blonde. |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Fame and Recognition
In 1992, the Apfels retired from their textile business and sold it to Stark Carpet. They continued to travel, collect, and dress in their distinctive way, but they did not seek fame or attention. However, in 2005, their lives changed when the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York decided to feature Iris’s collection in an exhibition called Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection.
The exhibition showcased Iris’s clothes and accessories, styled on mannequins as she would wear them. The exhibition was a huge success, and it introduced Iris to a new generation of fans and admirers. She became a fashion icon, a muse, and a role model for many people who admired her creativity, confidence, and charisma.
After the exhibition, Iris’s popularity soared, and she received many offers and opportunities. She became a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin, where she taught a course on the business of fashion. She also collaborated with various brands and designers, such as MAC Cosmetics, HSN, Kate Spade, and Zenni Optical, to create products inspired by her style.
She appeared in magazines, documentaries, and TV shows, such as Vogue, Iris by Albert Maysles, and Project Runway. She also wrote a book, Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon, in which she shared her stories, insights, and advice. She even became a Barbie doll, a Peabody Award winner, and a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor.
Net Worth & Lifestyle
According to various sources, Iris Apfel had an estimated net worth of $25 million at the time of her death on March 1, 2024. She accumulated her wealth from various sources, such as her fashion icon career, interior design work, and business ventures.
She co-founded the textile company Old World Weavers with her husband Carl in 1950, which specialized in reproducing fabrics from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The company had many prestigious clients, including nine presidents of the United States, for whom they worked on the restoration of the White House. They sold the company in 1992 to Stark Carpet.
She also became famous for her eclectic and eccentric style, which was featured in an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005. The exhibition, called Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection, showcased her clothes and accessories, which she collected from around the world. The exhibition made her a fashion icon, a muse, and a role model for many people.
Personal Life, Spouse & Kids
Iris and Carl Apfel had a long and happy marriage, lasting 67 years until Carl’s death in 2015 at the age of 100. They did not have any children, but they had many friends and admirers. They also had a sense of humor, a zest for life, and a gratitude for their blessings. Iris once said,
“I don’t have any rules, because I would only be breaking them, so it’s a waste of time. I think you have to be yourself, and you have to learn who you are, and be comfortable in your own skin. And then, do your own thing. And don’t be afraid to do it, and don’t be afraid to be happy.”
Death Cause & Obituary
Iris Apfel died on March 1, 2024, at her home in Palm Beach, Florida, at the age of 102. The cause of death was not disclosed, but she had been in good health and spirits until the end. She left behind a legacy of style, creativity, and inspiration, and a message of individuality, authenticity, and joy. She will be remembered as a rare bird, a true original, and a fashion icon.
