The iconic American fashion designer, Iris Apfel, has died at the age of 102.
The self-described “geriatric starlet” was known for her distinctive cropped white hair, oversized glasses, bright lipstick, and chunky beads.
Apfel reached the peak of her fame in the 1980s and 1990s but has been a familiar face at Paris fashion shows for over fifty years.
She also served many celebrity clients, including Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.
Her death was announced to her almost three million followers on Instagram, along with a picture of Apfel sporting her renowned oversized round glasses.
US designer Tommy Hilfiger was among those to pay tribute, as he praised Apfel as an “innovator and leader” in the world of textiles and style, who “will go down in history.”.
“Iris Apfel has become a world-famous fashion icon because of her incredible talent, not only as an artist but as an influencer,” he said.
“She has had an amazing effect on so many people with her huge heart and magic touch with everyone she meets.”
US singer Lenny Kravitz and Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham also paid tribute.
Born to a Jewish family in New York in 1921, Apfel originally studied art history and specialised in interior design, particularly textiles.
She worked as an interior designer for decades, including on restoration projects at the White House, before becoming a trendsetter in her 80s and a professional model at 97.
‘A kaleidoscope of colour’
Apfel’s agent, Lori Sale, said working alongside her was “the honour of a lifetime.”.
“I will miss her daily calls, always greeted with the familiar question: ‘What have you got for me today?’ Testament to her insatiable desire to work,” Ms. Sale said.
“She was a visionary in every sense of the word. She saw the world through a unique lens—one adorned with giant, distinctive spectacles that sat atop her nose.
“Through those lenses, she saw the world as a kaleidoscope of colour, a canvas of patterns and prints.
“Her artistic eye transformed the mundane into the extraordinary, and her ability to blend the unconventional with the elegant was nothing short of magical.”
In 2014, she was the subject of a documentary, Iris, by acclaimed director Albert Maysles.
In 2015, she spoke to BBC Newsnight and said she thought “dressing up should be fun” and a “chance to play.”
“It’s part of my life because I’m a creative person, and I think other people should indulge in a bit of creativity,” she said.
When asked about age-appropriate dress, she said, “If you can pull it off, it’s appropriate.”
