Celebrating Fearless Originality: An Ode to Iris Apfel

Culture

Mar 5

Iris Apfel: August 29, 1921 — March 1, 2024

Today, we learned that at 102 years young, Iris Apfel is no longer with us. To us she was a hero every woman, young or old, needs in her life. She had this incredible style that just screams confidence. She was never afraid to be herself.

She's like that girlfriend who's always encouraging you to embrace your uniqueness and live life unapologetically.

We’ve lovingly cyber-stocked her for years. To us, she was not just a fashion maven; she was a force of nature, a whirlwind of creativity and charm who danced to the beat of her own drum, and the person we both want to be when we grow up.

Iris didn't just break the mold; she smashed it to pieces and then bedazzled it with sequins.

Her journey from private life to icon status was nothing short of remarkable, proving that age is no barrier to brilliance and that style knows no bounds.

What made Iris truly special was her irrepressible spirit and irreverent sense of humor. In an industry often plagued by pomposity and pretense, Iris was a breath of fresh air, a walking antidote to seriousness.

She didn't just wear clothes; she wore her personality on her sleeve, daring us to embrace our quirks and celebrate our individuality.

For Iris, style wasn't about following trends or conforming to norms; it was about self-expression, about telling the world who you are without uttering a single word. Whether she was mixing high fashion with thrift store finds or pairing couture with costume jewelry, Iris reminded us that true style cannot be bought – it must be cultivated from within. Also that you can never own enough necklaces.

And oh, how Iris cultivated it! With her signature oversized glasses, layers of chunky jewelry, and penchant for flamboyant ensembles, she turned heads and captured hearts wherever she went. But more than just a fashion icon, Iris was a beacon of authenticity, a living testament to the power of being unapologetically yourself… and the power of good accessories.

In the words of Iris herself,

"You have to look in the mirror and see yourself. If it feels good, then I know it's for me. I don't dress to be stared at, I dress for myself."

And yet, stare we did – not because she sought our attention, but because she commanded it effortlessly, radiating confidence and joie de vivre with every step. Thank you, Iris, for inspiring us to do the same.

As we bid farewell to Iris Apfel, we’re choosing not to mourn, but celebrate her legacy. We choose to honor her memory by embracing our own uniqueness, by daring to be bold, and by living life with the same gusto and panache that she did. Also to add on about 5 more pieces of jewelry, just because.