For most people, the thought of getting older (especially into their golden years) is a dreaded curse that has yet to broken. Visions of retirement homes, laid back living, and sherbet colored golf shirts with khaki Capri’s or plaid trousers replace what was once a more active and adventurous lifestyle. To say that Iris Apfel is the exception to this rule would be a tremendous understatement. But at 97 years young, the International fashion Icon and acclaimed interior designer shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. With a new book released this past spring, her fashion accessory lines selling like wildfire, starring in her own documentary, and Mattel getting ready to launch two new Barbie Dolls in her honor this fall, the “Accidental Icon” is giving new meaning to the phrase “fountain of youth.” And if you ask her, she will tell you that she is as passionate today about her work as when she was a child growing up in Astoria, Queens, New York and mesmerized by the fashion world.
Born in 1921 to Jewish immigrant parents, she was always surrounded by art and fashion. Her father’s family owned a glass and mirror business, and her mother owned a fashion boutique. She remembers when she was a little girl being obsessed with eyeglasses. “As a kid I was fascinated with spectacles,” she explains. “Every time I saw a pair that was interesting, I’d buy them and put them in a box.” Her childhood obsession would later turn into her fashion signature and trademark as she is recognized around the world as the lady who wears giant round glasses. What made her start wearing her enormous eye globes? “Well, as I got older and it came time to actually have to wear glasses to see clearly, I thought to myself, If I have to wear glasses, then I’m gonna wear glasses!” She chuckles.
So how did this charming young girl from Queens end up becoming the “Accidental Icon” as her latest book title proclaims? Well, quite frankly, by accident!
“I never knew what was going to happen next. I never had a plan.” She recounts. “Things just happened. Some things came along that I took advantage of. Some I didn’t. But I knew that I always wanted to be in fashion.” She remembers working as a young woman for Women's Wear Daily and dreaming of going to work in Paris. “Vogue had an annual contest back then where the winner would get to fly to Paris and work for them for 1 year.” She explains. “I entered the contest, and of course, I didn’t win. But I didn’t feel too bad about it because shortly after that the War broke out (WWll) and they closed their Paris office. So I didn’t miss out on anything.” She grins.