The Colorful Life of Iris Apfel
Originally published on The Shabbat Drop by Miranda Lapides on March 15, 2024.
This Women’s History Month, I’m covering standout Jewish women in history. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention fashion icon and entrepreneur, Iris Apfel (z”l) who died on March 1st.
I’ve been personally exploring the theme of authenticity in both Jewish and non-Jewish areas of my life, and while she wasn’t all that actively Jewish, I couldn’t think of a better woman to honor. Iris was certainly her own brand, owning the look of short grey hair, oversized glasses, and colorful clothing with loud patterns up until the age of 102. Her bold look made me never fear aging, for if I could dress even a bit like her when I’m her age, I know my golden years will be full of joy. And since we’re in the Hebrew month of Adar, the month of joy, who better to celebrate than Iris?
“But Miranda, I don’t care about fashion.”
Hey now – Iris was more than knowing how to accessorize! The way she dressed reflected her approach to life: through courage, improvisation, and joy. Just keep reading, alright?!
Iris celebrating her 100th birthday (The Jewish Chronicle)
The self-proclaimed “geriatric starlet” was born Iris Barrel in Astoria, Queens, New York City, in 1921. She was the daughter of Russian Jews Samuel Barrel, whose family owned a glass and mirror business, and Sadye “Syd” Barrel, who owned a fashion boutique. It’s no wonder Iris grew up to be not only a fashion icon, but a savvy entrepreneur as well.
While not religious, Iris grew up connected to Jewish customs and traditions and values, like education, family, and embracing uniqueness and diversity, which likely inspired her throughout her career.
From a young age, Iris displayed a keen interest in fashion and design, often experimenting with different fabrics and styles. After studying art history at New York University and attending art school at the University of Wisconsin, Iris started a career in interior design.
In 1948, she married businessman Carl Apfel, becoming partners for life, in love, creativity, and collaboration. They started Old World Weavers, which sold and restored fabrics from around the globe. The couple traveled the world, from the Middle East to all over Europe, collecting textiles, jewelry, and other artifacts.
Iris with Carl (The Hollywood Reporter)
In the 1950s and 60s, Iris worked on design restoration projects at the White House for several presidents, including Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon.
In her impressive life, she’s had an exhibit at the Met featuring her clothes and accessories (2005, entitled Rara Avis, a rare bird), wrote a best-selling book (Accidental Icon), and there’s been a documentary made about her (“Iris”).
Some of my favorite Iris Apfel quotes:
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“Are you a gal or a mouse?”
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“When you don’t dress like everyone else, you don’t have to think like everybody else.”
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“More is more and less is a bore”
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“You’ve got to try it. You’ve only got one trip, you have to remember that.”
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“I’m not pretty, and I’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter. I have something much better. I have style.”
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“Dress to please yourself. Listen to your inner muse and take a chance. Wear something that says ‘Here I am’ today.”
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“I try to be happy whenever I can. I don’t fret about what’s past and we don’t know if there will be a future, so I make as much as I can out of what’s here now.”
✍️ Shabbat Prompt
When in your life are you most authentic? This could be secularly, like wearing blue lipstick just because you feel like it or standing up for your beliefs. This could be Jewishly, like praying on Shabbat but still using your phone because it’s your practice and whatever you make of it.
Bonus: Who is a Jewish woman in your life who inspires you and why? Comment with your answers below!
Shabbat Shalom! May you be bold enough to wear bright colors and funky patterns. Or whatever the hell you want.
