Ten Quotes That Prove Iris Apfel is the Ultimate Creative Icon, Cultural Rebel, and Entrepreneurial Force to be Reckoned With
And why at 100 years young, she’s still the freshest inspiration in making a statement, carving your own path, and building a multi-faceted career in fantastic style
Think Iris Apfel; think icon. From the signature thick, black-rimmed spectacles and individualist, highly theatrical, always-a-statement outfit choices, to the equally vibrant energy {and wit} she carries with her in life, business, and creative ventures, Iris Apfel is a name that’s synonymous with an eclectic expression of creativity – and a do-not-give-a-shit-what-anyone-thinks attitude to match.
We love how this international fabric mogul {known for curating fabrics for the White House throughout several Presidencies} turned make-up brand collaborator {she teamed up with MAC when she was aged 90} turned jewelry designer, has kept her pursuits as fresh as her ever- innovative daily look. Just as her fashion sense knows no boundaries, Iris keeps reinventing - and doing it in her own unique style.
This constant evolution and no-fear approach to style, business and creative expression has seen the life-long New Yorker become the “accidental icon” {the title of her 2018 book}, form countless brand ambassador partnerships, be the subject of an exhibit at The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and even be turned into a “Styled by Iris Apfel” Barbie doll by toy giant Mattel.
Iris really has explored the depths of her creativity throughout her expansive, bright spectrum of a career path. Seemingly never afraid to switch gears, confidently step out of her lane, and explore new passions, collaborations, and creative industries, Iris is one hella inspiration for defying boxes, cliches, cultural stereotypes, ageism, and the way it’s always been done; a shining example of how to not only set a new standard but make a mark - and flourish.
“An American original in the truest sense, Iris Apfel is one of the most vivacious personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles, and interior design, and over the past 40 years, she has cultivated a personal style that is both witty and exuberantly idiosyncratic.
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Today, Apfel marks her 100th birthday. And because every day {not just today} could do with some Iris punch, we’re celebrating her ballsy frankness, flair for individualism, zest for life, and creative energy with this cut of Iris quotes:
1. ‘I don’t expect to find inspiration. It just sort of comes. Sometimes you step on a bug, and you get inspired.’
2. 'Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. They key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude.'
3. 'If your hair is done and you're wearing good shoes, you can get away with anything.'
4. 'If you don't learn constantly, you don't grow, and you will wither. Too many people wither on the vine. Sure, it gets a little harder as you get older, but new experiences and new challenges keep it fresh.'
5. 'If you're not interested, you're not interesting.'
6. 'I don't see anything wrong with a wrinkle. It's kind of a badge of courage.'
7. “If you have to be all things to all people, you end up being nothin’ to nobody."
8. "I'm a hopeless romantic. I buy things because I fall in love with them. I never buy anything just because it's valuable. My husband used to say I took a piece of fabric and listen to the threads. It tells me a story... I have to get a physical reaction when I buy something.’
9. 'When you don't dress like everyone else then you don't have to think like everyone else.'
10. ‘There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and above all, attitude.’
