And so, it has come to pass...a very rare bird, and of our Patron Saints at the Casa du Borghese, that of one fabulousness, in the form of Iris Apfel has blown the doors off Fabulon to enter it. Iris Apfel, an interior designer, art collector, fashion icon and designer, New York socialite, smart businesswoman and camp role model has passed on at the ripe age of 102 yesterday. Iris Apfel has been dishing a century's worth of advice to anyone who'd listen on how to define your own style and would take every opportunity she'd get to express her own joyous and creative point of view. And talk about Maximal style? She was the queen of laying anything and everything...a maximist to the extent and embodied her iconic fashion sense and employed her rich history of expertise in textiles that began when she was a young child creating schemes with her grandmother's fabric remnants. As a connoisseur of artistry, and textile maven herself, Iris's imaginable and dynamic taste is fervently infused in every pattern and color imaginable. Three worlds for Iris..Bold...witty and exuberant, not to mention eccentric. I had the pleasure to talk with her once, while working at Bloomingdales while doing a display as she walked past. She was tickled a young person even knew who she was I believe. But it would be unlawful as a gay man to not know who Iris Apfel was, at least in these parts. She was complimenting a display I was working on. I recall telling her of the finished display and how I might get a scold for doing what I wanted. I recall her advice being, "Color outside the lines sweetie, those that make their mark don't get there by coloring in the lines." And she was right. And if anyone lived by my favorite quote- " LIVE LIVE! Life's a banquet and some sorry suckers are starving." it was Iris Apfel. Even till her death she stayed colorful and took to Instagram in often colorful post, celebrating life. And if anything, she marched to her own drummer and didn't care of what people thought of her over the top style. Just because your in your elder years, doesn't mean living and having fun has to end. I couldn't agree more. One this rainy day, I'm sure New York feels ever gloomier.
SNAP!
ReplyDeleteWe always adored her - she's one of our "Patron Saints", too, and yes - destined to forever preside over "Fabulon" [© Thombeau, wherever he is]. There will never be another! RIP. Jx
I wonder what ever came of Thombeau??? What a hoot and how Fabu he was.
DeleteI did a quick search, and I'm not sure whether this may be him? If so, it's a bit sad. Need to check with MJ or Mr DeVice... Jx
DeleteOh dear...I hope he didn't meet such a fate.
DeleteSorry to be the objector, but Iris Apfel looks a mess. I prefer elegance over fussy.
ReplyDeleteI just adored all her layering of jewelry and the bangles!!!!!! And I just ADORE that first picture...that red ensemble is so vintage Balenciaga. That would be a entrance look for moi.
DeleteWhat a fabulous human being and a fabulous life well-lived.
ReplyDeleteRIP
Oh, Iris…❤️😢
ReplyDeleteI am stunned that the passing of this Icon isn't breaking news. RIP Dear Lady.
ReplyDeleteTop of the home page of the NY Times today.
DeleteI only saw online new items...until this evening. ABC Evening News had a very nice segment about her...shockingly. Kudo's to them.
DeleteWhat a legend! And such a long life, so richly and artfully lived.
ReplyDeleteHer epitaph should read: "Vibrant, bold, and colorful."
ReplyDeleteI love her giant glasses.
ReplyDeleteMe too! I want a pair for my old age.
DeleteIris Apfel, one of a kind, and great statement jewelry ! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe world will be less colorful without her. :( -Rj
When I read that last night, you were the first thing I thought of. I knew it would hit you hard, even if we knew it was coming sooner or later. (((Hugs)))
ReplyDeleteShe was incredibly distinctive in every way. How perfect that you met her.
ReplyDeleteApfel was famous for her irreverent, eye-catching outfits, mixing haute couture and oversized costume jewelry. With her big, round, black-rimmed glasses, bright red lipstick and short white hair, she stood out at every fashion show she attended. A role model of mine for sure. Shocked right?
ReplyDeleteI would have NEVER guessed that she was a role model for you dear.
DeleteIncredible woman. She advocated living your best life every minute, no matter your age. Many just saw her style, and turned off... and missed her message. Loved her style. Color, glamour, excess!!
ReplyDeleteAu revoir, Iris.
I admit to not knowing who she was, but I recognize the lady. What a hoot. A few months before my great-grandma passed (94 years old), she remarked, "Life was like a dream..."
ReplyDelete102 seems like a long time until 102 years have passed. Be kind to others.
RIP Iris
Iris, more is more.
ReplyDeleteSuch a colorful person.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great example of successful aging- being involved, curious and creative right up to the end. To have dressed Greta Garbo, and interior decorated the White House for 9 presidents... and then become an icon herself later in life- WOW!
ReplyDeleteAn inspiration to go against the grain and turn oneself into a daily artful creation! I admired Iris's zest for life! RIP to our favorite Manhattanite ! The Heavens just got a lot more stylish .
ReplyDeleteBon Voyage Iris. Rara Avis. A rare bird indeed.
ReplyDeleteI am inexplicably saddened by this news. She was such a vibrant force of life. RIP Iris Apfel.
ReplyDeleteShe was amazing. Check out the documentary "Iris" on Netflix and you will see why.
ReplyDeleteA role Model for style.
ReplyDeleteMay she fly high.
ReplyDeleteWow, wow, wow. 102? What a spirit to live for over a century! And all the gifts we have because of her extra special flavor. In Judaism, we say "May their memory be a blessing." In this case she is, was, and ever will be a rainbow of sparkly blessings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this tribute, MM. xo
That is a lovely saying Robyn!
DeleteNo one will ever elevate plastic bangles like she did. In her case less was never better!
ReplyDeleteI think Ill wear tons of bangles all month long in memory!!!!!
Deletemarvellous person and huge personality
ReplyDelete