Style icon Iris Apfel, started her career as an interior designer. One day she stumbled upon a vintage pattern she couldn’t find but just had to have.
She found a weaver to weave the fabric for her. That weaver would later be one of the founders of Old World Weavers with Iris and her husband Carl. The company flourished in the 42 years of being in business. Iris worked on various design restoration projects for different museums. The restorations in the White House for nine seating presidents were definitely her most memorable.
I think it’s remarkable that Iris already had a significant career before being recognized as a style icon by the fashion industry. She says that her humor and curiosity is what made her successful and is keeping her youthful.

10 reasons why Iris Apfel is the coolest 93 year old:

Her impeccable sense of style.

The exhibition about Iris Apfel’s style entitled ‘Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel’ in NYC’s Metropolitan Museum of Art was a huge success and therefore travelled to 3 other museums. Here, Iris installs her ensembles at PEM Courtesy Peabody Essex Museum. Notice the ring on top of those rubber gloves (love it!)

“I’m the oldest living broad that ever graced the campaign for cosmetics” — Iris Apfel

Her impeccable style and humor.

Modelling for the SS15 campaign of Kate Spade and have Karlie Kloss as your “granddaughter”.

Carl, her husband of almost 70 years which allows her to kiss him with red lipstick. (my boyfriend doesn’t allow that)

She’s a cover girl! here for dazed magazine.

After designing her own eyewear collection at the tender age of 90 she then went on designing bags and jewelry collections.

Being able to invite someone over tea and look like this (!)

If she wants a rapper for a husband, she just makes it happen.

Starring in the documentary ‘Iris’ which releases today in selected theaters.