The Finest Engagement Ring Brands
Choosing an engagement ring is a significant milestone in one’s life journey, and finding the perfect brand can make this experience even more memorable. Some brands stand out among the…
Iris Apfel has left an indelible mark on the world of fashion by daring to defy norms, championing individuality, and fostering creativity and self-expression through clothing and accessories, including jewelry. Her influence has been a breath of fresh air, encouraging people to embrace their unique style and celebrate their personal flair through the art of adornment.
Her personal jewelry collections are fascinating, an ode to a life lived without the burden of other’s opinions.
IRIS APFEL ON HER JEWELRY COLLECTION
Iris Apfel modeling her eyewear collection. (Image Source: Ruven Afanador, taken from an article in WBUR)
From a 2015 Vanity Fair interview (from which the cover photo was also sourced):
Vanity Fair: Are there any items in your jewelry collection that are too precious or valuable to wear?
Iris Apfel: Of course, but I have a very odd collection: it goes from the sublime to the ridiculous. I have some very important, valuable things, and I have some junk, and I like to mix them all together. I’m constantly buying jewelry—I love it, I love it, I love it! I mean, I could be an octopus and have ten heads and I couldn’t wear it all.
JEWELRY INSPO
Iris sadly left us on March 1, 2024, at 102 years old. She was so unapologetically herself that she inspired others to stretch themselves too. Donna Karan spoke out in memory of the self-proclaimed “geriatric starlet.”
Donna Karan’s message (posted to her Instagram) was moving and a testament to Iris’ impact on the fashion world.
“Iris Apfel had a passion for fashion like no other person. If I’d have to name who the best dressed woman in the world is, it would be Iris. From head to toe with color, jewelry, and the most beautiful little details, no one understood style like she did. She inspired me to do color and more color instead of my usual black and white! The love that surrounded her will be with her forever and ever. I’m so grateful to have known Iris and her wisdom that she shared with us. This isn’t a goodbye, it is a see you later. You’ll always be in my heart Iris with beautiful memories and I can’t thank you enough for that.”
JEWELRY INSPO
FINAL THOUGHTS
Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024
In Iris’ honor, live out loud. Don’t let the weight of other people’s opinions sit on your shoulders. Wear the jewelry, have fun with fashion, live your best life. She didn’t love the commercialization of fashion, and that was in part because of the uniformity and safeness of it all. Iris wore a robe or jeans at home, she was not always the fanciful peacock that we saw in the magazines. She was a woman, a fierce and fabulous one. She was an icon, and will remain a legend.
We can’t all be like that, and many wouldn’t want to. Undeniably she brought a lot of color into the world, and it’s sad to see her pass. Maybe wear an extra pop of color this week, and know that who you are is beautiful and enough.
