Iris Apfel, fashion icon and self-proclaimed “geriatrics starlet,” has died at the age of 102.
The news was announced on her Instagram page on Friday, with a beautiful photo of the famous fashionista in a regal black and gold dress and her signature black glasses.
“Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024,” was the caption of the post.
A spokesperson for her estate confirmed the news to The New York Times, announcing that she died at her home in Palm Beach, Florida.
The cause of death of the star, who was a New York style icon for years, has not been announced at this time.
Iris Apfel, fashion icon and self-proclaimed “aging starlet,” has died at the age of 102. The news was announced on her Instagram page on Friday; seen in 2021
“Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024,” was the caption of the post
Following the news of her death, fans flocked to her social media page to pay their respects.
Rocker Lenny Kravitz wrote: “You have mastered the art of living. Thank you for your energy and inspiration.”
Actress Hannah Waddingham also paid tribute, writing: “Ohhhhhh.” Good night and God bless ma'am. What joy and endless style you have brought to so many.'
“Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us,” added designer Jenna Lyons.
“RIP symbol,” one person wrote.
“We will miss you,” another added with a red heart emoji.
“An icon and true inspiration,” wrote another follower.
“Rest in the beauty icon.”
Apfel did not gain global attention until 2005, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art mounted an exhibition called Rara Avis (Rare Bird), which focused on her fashion sense.
“Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024,” the caption read; Seen with Linda Fargo in 2013
A spokesperson for her estate confirmed the news to The New York Times, announcing that she died at her home in Palm Beach, Florida; Seen in 2015
The cause of death is currently unknown; Seen with Christie Brinkley in 2022
Apfel, who was a New York style icon for years, only gained global attention in 2005, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art mounted an exhibition called Rara Avis (Rare Bird) that focused on her fashion sense; Seen with Christina Hendricks in 2016
In 2019, at the age of 97, Iris landed a modeling contract with IMG – the same agency that has represented top stars such as Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Miranda Kerr; Seen in 2016
She began her career as a copywriter for Women's Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson.
She married her husband Carl Apfel in 1948, and the duo owned a textile company until they retired 44 years later.
Over the years, the couple worked on numerous restoration projects, including the White House.
Carl died in 2015 at the age of 100.
In 2019, at the age of 97, Iris landed a modeling contract with IMG – the same agency that has represented top stars like Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and Miranda Kerr.
Even as she reached the 100 mark, Apfel showed no signs of slowing down, telling WWD she was “very excited” about her new deal.
Despite drawing the linear run down the runway, the star told the publication, “How can I keep up on the runway?” That's ridiculous,” she said.
“Hopefully we'll work together, or maybe I'll be a spokesperson.” I'll leave it to them. You know better than me.'
She began her career as a copywriter for Women's Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson. seen in a retro Instagram photo
In 1948 she married her husband Carl Apfel, and the duo owned a textile company until they retired 44 years later; the couple seen in 2008
Carl died in 2015 at the age of 100; seen in 2008
“I have received all sorts of interesting assignments in my limited career. “Everything from vodka and cars to beauty products, and I’ve also had a number of interesting collaborations with major stores like Bon Marché in Paris, Landmark Mall in Hong Kong, Macy’s and Bergdorf Goodman.”
Over the last decade, Apfel has modeled for a truly impressive list of notable fashion and beauty brands.
She has been involved in campaigns for Kate Spade, MAC Cosmetics, Alexis Bittar, Macy's INC, Blue Illusion, HSN, Le Bon Marché and German brand Aigner.
In each model, she showcased a facet of her style, including her signature oversized round glasses.
For several, she posed right next to models a quarter her age, including Karlie, Toni Garnn, Tavi Gevinson and Jourdan Dunn.
And no one was more surprised by her late modeling career than Apfel herself. Although she has had a long career in the fashion industry, it was owning her own textile company, Old World Weavers, in 1950 that kept her in the fashion world.
Following the news of her death, fans flocked to her social media page to pay their respects. Rocker Lenny Kravitz wrote: “You have mastered the art of living.” Thank you for your energy and inspiration.
Actress Hannah Waddingham also paid tribute, writing: “Ohhhhhh.” Good night and God bless ma'am. What joy and endless style you have brought to so many'
“Thank you for sharing your beautiful life with us,” added designer Jenna Lyons
“I never expected my life to take this turn, so I never prepared for it.” “It all happened so suddenly and I thought at my tender age, I won't open offices and get involved in all sorts of things” , she said.
“I thought it was a flash in the pan and it won't last. Somehow people found me. People just called. Tommy Hilfiger said that wasn't possible and put us together. I'm very excited and very grateful.'
In addition to modeling, she also designed her own clothing and accessories line for HSN and published a book in 2018.
“My husband, until he died, we used to sit there and laugh and laugh, and I would say, I'm no different than I was 70 years ago, and suddenly I'm cool, that's me,” a hot trait. It is ridiculous. “People tell me it's because I'm real… and say what I think,” she added.