Iris Apfel Biography: Fashion, Age, Death, Instagram, Net Worth, Daughter, Designs, Husband

Iris Apfel was a renowned American businesswoman and interior designer, celebrated for her bold style and remarkable career in textiles.

In 1950, she co-founded Old World Weavers with her husband, Carl Apfel, where they specialized in reproducing historical fabrics and undertaking design restoration projects for nine U.S. presidents.

Profile

• Full Name: Iris Apfel
• Stage Name: Iris Apfel
• Born: 29, August 1921
• Age: 1, March 2024 (Aged: 102 years)
• Birthplace: Queens, New York, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Businesswoman
• Height: 1.69m
• Parent: Samuel Barrel and Sadye Barrel
• Siblings: None
• Spouse: Carl Apfel (m. 1948–2015)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $25 million

Early Life And Education

Iris Apfel was born on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York, United States, as the only child of Samuel Barrel and Sadye Barrel. She pursued art history at New York University and also attended the University of Wisconsin.

Of Jewish ethnicity, Apfel’s heritage reflects her family’s background, though there is no public information available about her religious practices.

Career

Iris Apfel’s career began in the fashion industry as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily, where she refined her knowledge of fashion and textiles. In 1948, she married Carl Apfel, and together they founded Old World Weavers in 1950, a company that specialized in reproducing historical fabrics.

The couple’s work quickly gained recognition, and their company became known for its impeccable craftsmanship, attracting prestigious clients, including the White House. Apfel’s expertise in interior design led her to work on restoration projects for nine U.S. presidential administrations, showcasing her skill in blending historical accuracy with unique aesthetic vision.

Throughout her career, Apfel became known for her bold, eclectic style, which transcended the world of interior design into the realm of fashion. She gained widespread recognition after a successful exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005, where her extensive collection of costume jewelry and clothing was showcased.

This exhibition propelled her into the spotlight, transforming her into a fashion icon. Following this, Apfel made appearances in documentaries and forged collaborations with major fashion brands, further cementing her place as a cultural and style influencer.

In her later years, Apfel continued to break barriers, embracing modeling at the age of 97 by signing with IMG Models. This move further solidified her status as an icon of individuality and creativity.

Additionally, she launched successful beauty collaborations and authored a memoir, Accidental Icon, which reflected on her unconventional journey through fashion. Apfel’s legacy continues to inspire generations, advocating for individuality, self-expression, and age positivity within the fashion industry.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @iris.apfel
• Facebook handle: Iris Apfel

Personal Life

Iris Apfel was married to Carl Apfel from February 22, 1948, until his passing on August 1, 2015. Their nearly 70-year-long relationship was defined by a strong bond and shared business ventures.

The couple decided not to have children, largely due to their extensive travel for work. Iris expressed her belief that she didn’t want a child to be raised by a nanny and felt that societal pressures around parenthood were restrictive.

While they did not have biological children, Iris took on a maternal role in the lives of her friends’ children, becoming a surrogate grandmother to some.

Net Worth

Iris Apfel’s estimated net worth at the time of her death on March 1, 2024, was $25 million. Her wealth was derived from her prosperous career as a businesswoman, fashion icon, and interior designer.