Photo:Ilya S. Savenok/Getty
Ilya S. Savenok/Getty
On Friday, a statement was published on Apfel’sInstagram accountconfirming she had died. “Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 - March 1, 2024," the post read. A spokesman for her estate also confirmed her death toThe New York Times.
Soon after, those who knew the fashion figure began to share their condolences on social media.
Fashion designerDonna Karan, whocelebrated Apfel’s 102nd birthday with her in August, wrote a heartfelt message to her late friend on Instagram Saturday.
“@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,” Karan, 75, wrote alongside a photograph of the pair.
Christie Brinkley,who also joined Apfel’s final birthday celebrations last summer, also honored her friend on the social media platform.
“Unforgettable legend, undeniable Icon, unbelievably creative, and unlike anyone I’ve ever met!,” Brinkley, 70, beganher tribute, which was posted alongside a carousel of images of herself and the late fashion icon.
Iris Apfel attends the Holiday House Opening Night Benefit Honoring Iris Apfel at The Sullivan Mansions on November 16, 2016 in New York City.CJ Rivera/Getty
CJ Rivera/Getty
She continued, “A one off original, a one of a kind, sweet, sweet soul, who will never be forgotten. Thank you @michael_atmore for introducing us. She always added so much pizazz wherever she went . Everybody loved her . Including me. 💔❤️ #ripirisapfel”
On X (formerly known as Twitter).Maria Shrivershared a lengthy tribute to Apfel. “Wow! What a truly remarkable life #IrisApfel lived,” she began.
“She truly did it all: she was a businesswoman, she was a fashion model, she was a fashion icon, she was a college professor, she was a star of a documentary, she was a Barbie doll! Iris is truly proof that age is just a number, and that we only have one life, so we all need to get living,” Shriver, 68, added.
“She passed away today at 102, and in fact she still had unfinished business — a book about her life and the important moments called ‘Colorful’ coming out in August. Colorful, indeed! Thank you for the inspiration, Iris!,” she concluded her message.
Alyssa Milanoalso posted her own tributeon Instagram, recalling a time she had worked with the fashion “legend.”
“Rest in Peace, Iris. I had the honor of working with Iris Apfel when I hosted Project Runway All Stars. She did her own alterations the night before on an archival piece of @imisaacmizrahi from the 90s that he had gifted her back then,” she wrote in her caption, which was posted alongside a photograph of the two on the show together, as well as a solo photograph of Apfel.
“She also did her own hair and make up for this episode. What a legend,” Milano, 51, added.
Recipient of the Icon Award, Iris Apfel attends the 30th FN Achievement awards at IAC Headquarters on November 29, 2016 in New York City.Gary Gershoff/WireImage
Gary Gershoff/WireImage
Molly Ringwald,meanwhile, described Apfel as “a rare and beautiful bird” as she celebrated the fashion icon’s life.
“A life well lived. Farewell Iris Apfel. What a rare and beautiful bird you were. 🌹🦜🌷🌻#fashion #beauty #icon #fashion,” she saidon Instagramalongside a photograph of Apfel wearing a statement red jacket that featured bold sleeves made up of large fabric flowers.
In another post,Kate Walshrecalled how Apfel had impacted her life.
“THIS gal. Such an inspiration. I had the great pleasure of watching her documentary…and wearing her sunglasses. And passing her story on to others, including my 90 year old mother. What a LIFE.,”she wroteon Instagram.
British fashion icon Daphne Guinness, who, like Apfel, is known for her unique looks, also posted in honor of the late style icon. “#RIPthe great#IrisApfelWhat a fantastic lady, what energy , what style. God speed,” shewrote on X.
Iris Apfel attends the Calvin Klein Collection fashion show during New York Fashion Week on September 7, 2017 in New York City.Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Dia Dipasupil/Getty
Apfel, who was born on Aug. 29, 1921, in Queens, New York, married Carl Apfel in 1947. He died in 2015 at age 100.“We had done everything together and I was devastated,” shetold PEOPLE in 2020 of his death,Apfel celebrated her 100th birthday in 2021, a year before she released aclothing collection with H&Mand abeauty collection with Ciáte London.
The fashion icon told PEOPLE at the time of her milestone birthday that she viewed herself as anEnergizer Bunny who simply loves to work— something she had maintained throughout her life.
“At 100, what else is there to do except sit around? I don’t play bridge. I don’t play golf. I love to work, and I really enjoy what I do,” she said.
source: people.com
