Iris Apfel, the nonagenarian style maven whose flamboyant fashion sense and business acumen made her an icon, has died at 102. Apfel’s contributions spanned from White House restorations to high-profile fashion collaborations, making her departure a significant loss to the design and fashion worlds.

Trailblazer in Textiles and Fashion

Born in 1921, Apfel’s journey into the world of fashion was as vibrant and varied as the outfits she donned. With her company, Old World Weavers, she and her husband Carl left an indelible mark on interior design, contributing to historic restoration projects, including the White House for nine presidents. Her unique sense of style, characterized by bold colors, patterns, and an eclectic mix of high-end and street finds, catapulted her to fame well into her 80s. Apfel’s philosophy was simple yet profound: fashion is about self-expression and taking risks without falling into the trap of trend-following.

A Legacy Beyond Age

Apfel’s influence extended far beyond the realms of textile and interior design. Her partnership with major brands and designers, her muse status at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, and her role as a centenarian fashion icon shattered age stereotypes in the fashion industry. Apfel’s life was a testament to the fact that passion and style are ageless, inspiring millions to embrace their uniqueness. Her work, including her book ‘Accidental Icon’, continues to inspire discussions on fashion, identity, and aging.

Continuing Influence and Inspiration

Even after her passing, Apfel’s legacy lives on, not just in the fashion and design communities but also in how we perceive style and aging. Her fearless approach to fashion, blending high couture with thrift-store finds, redefined modern aesthetics and encouraged a more inclusive view of beauty. As tributes pour in from around the globe, it’s clear that Iris Apfel was not just an icon but a beacon of creativity and originality, whose impact will be felt for generations to come.

Apfel’s story is a vivid reminder that true style is timeless and that life, no matter the age, can be lived with vibrancy and zeal. As the fashion world mourns her loss, it also celebrates the colorful legacy of a woman who dared to be different and in doing so, changed the landscape of fashion forever.