Tommy Hilfiger and Hannah Waddingham are among the stars leading tributes to the late American fashion icon Iris Apfel, who has died aged 102.
The self-proclaimed “geriatric star” worked for decades in the textile industry before finding fame in her eighties and becoming a ubiquitous trendsetter in design and style.
Apfel's signature look was characterized by her oversized circular glasses, layers of chunky jewelry, and vibrant clothing, with her hair short and white. Her style became the subject of a 2005 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which celebrated her eclectic wardrobe. More recently, she starred in campaigns for Citroën, H&M and eBay, and even had a Barbie doll inspired by her.
Apfel's death was confirmed by his business agent, Lori Sale, who did not provide a cause of death. He is believed to have died at his Palm Beach, Florida, home.
American designer Tommy Hilfiger, 72, praised Apfel as an “innovator and leader” who “will go down in history.”
“Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon due to her incredible talent not only as an artist, but also as an influencer,” he said in a statement.
“He has had an amazing effect on many people with his big heart and magical touch with everyone he meets.”
Apfel's agent, Sale, said working alongside the New York designer was “the honor of my life.”
Iris Apfel has died at the age of 102
(Getty Images for Central Park To)
“I will miss your daily calls, always met with the familiar question: 'What do you have for me today?' Testimony of his insatiable desire to work.”
“She was a visionary in every sense of the word. “She saw the world through a unique lens, adorned with giant, distinctive glasses that sat on her nose.”
Sale continued: “Through those lenses, he saw the world as a kaleidoscope of color, a canvas of patterns and prints.”
“His artistic eye transformed the mundane into the extraordinary and his ability to combine the unconventional with the elegant was nothing short of magical.”
(Getty Images for Fashion Footwea)
Designer Jenna Lyons noted on Apfel's Instagram post: “Thank you for sharing your beautiful life.”
“The fashion gods are welcoming an icon,” wrote actress Lily Collins.
American singer Lenny Kravitz said online that Apfel “masters the art of living,” adding: “Thank you for your energy and inspiration.”
Ted Lasso Actress Hannah Waddingham also paid tribute, writing: “Ohhhhhh. Good night and God bless you madam. What endless joy and style you brought to so many people.”
“Rest in power!” added model Tess Holliday. “Thank you for living your life so beautifully and inspiring many of us to live bravely.”
Born Iris Barrel in 1921 in Queens, New York, Apfel studied art history at New York University and then attended art school at the University of Wisconsin.
Iris Apfel and models in an H&M 2022 campaign
(H&M)
She began her career as a writer for Women's Wear Daily and later worked for interior designer Elinor Johnson and illustrator Robert Goodman.
In 1948, she married her late husband Carl Apfel and together they founded the Old World Weavers textile company and ran it until her retirement in 1992.
They completed restoration projects for clients such as Greta Garbo, as well as working on the White House for nine presidents, including Kennedy, Nixon, Reagan and Clinton.
He didn't find fame until his eighties, when his design expertise and eccentric style attracted thousands of fans around the world. At 91, Apfel became stunned The magazine's longest-serving cover star and in 2019 she signed with one of the world's largest modeling agencies, IMG, which has Gigi Hadid, Sienna Miller and Ashley Graham on its books.
At 101, Apfel had starred in her first beauty campaign when she modeled for Ciaté London and collaborated with the brand on a makeup line.
Apfel photographed in 2014
(Getty Images)
Just two days before her death was announced, Apfel celebrated her half-birthday by sharing a photo of herself holding balloons that read “102 and a half.”
“In half a birthday, I'll only be 26!!! Today I turn 102 and a half years old… happy leap day!” said his Instagram post.
When asked about aging in a 2018 interview, Apfel said, “I wouldn't want to stop the clock. No, that would be very boring. It would be like being trapped in a time machine, in a time warp. I do not like that. I think variety is the spice of life.”
She told Vogue that she buys clothes based on the “joy” each item brings her.
“I think my closet is full of joy. I try not to put anything in that I don't like or that I don't have fun with,” she said.
“Over the last 100 years, I have learned that style is everything.”
He said he brings his spirit of sartorial expression to his interiors.
“What better place to express yourself than the kitchen? For me, dressing a house and dressing a person are the same. It's the same aesthetic. If you enter it, you will know that it is my house. I believe that a house should reflect the people who live in it.”
