At the age of 102, Iris Apfel, the valued fashion queen and “geriatric starlet,” died on August 29, 2023. Apfel was well-known for her colorful manners, unique style, and her unique perspective on fashion.
Apfel was raised in Queens, New York, and was born Iris Barrel in 1921. Prior to working as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily, she studied painting and art history. She and her husband Carl launched a textile and fabric development company in 1950.
With her vibrant colors, patterns, and textures, Apfel’s own style catapulted her into late-life fashion notoriety. As a “geriatric starlet,” she modeled for brands including M.A.C., Kate Spade, and Vogue Italia. She was the oldest person to have a Barbie doll created in her likeness at the time of her death.
Iris Apfel’s life highlights:
Year | Event |
1921 | Born Iris Barrel in Queens, New York |
1950 | Starts a textile and fabric reproduction business with her husband Carl |
1992 | Apfel’s style is featured in a New York Times article |
2005 | The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art holds a retrospective of Apfel’s work, titled “Rara Avis (Rare Bird)” |
2007 | Apfel becomes the face of Kate Spade’s advertising campaign |
2009 | Apfel models for Vogue Italia |
2011 | Apfel is featured in a documentary film, “Iris” |
2018 | Apfel publishes her autobiography, “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon” |
2023 | Apfel passes away at the age of 102 |
Exhibition Of Apfel’s Work In 2005 (Rava Avis):

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute hosted an exhibition of Apfel’s work in 2005, called “Rara Avis (Rare Bird).” “Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon,” her autobiography, was also released in 2018.
Apfel’s influence went beyond style. She gave individuals the courage to question social conventions and embrace their uniqueness. She once stated, “I learned that if I don’t have to dress like everybody else, I do not have to think like everybody else.”
Apfel, according to her agent Lori Sale, was a “visionary” who “saw the world as a kaleidoscope of color.” Apfel, according to jewelry designer Alexis Bittar, “messaged to women that they don’t need to hide in the shadows as they age.”

Future generations will be inspired by Iris Apfel’s legacy. She was a great icon who suggested to the world that personality and elegance have no age limitations.
Important Factors About Iris Apfel:
- Iris Apfel was a fashion icon well known for her colorful personality and eclectic style.
- In her later years, she transformed into a “geriatric starlet,” modeling for big-name companies and inspiring people all over the world.
- Apfel’s impact proceeded beyond fashion, as she pushed people to embrace their uniqueness and challenging communal norms.
- Her lasting impression will continue to inspire future generations.
Fashion Icon and ‘Geriatric Starlet’ Iris Apfel, Dies at 102