Iris Apfel – a cult figure in the fashion world
She is known for her love of bold, large jewelry and eclectic accessories. Her passion for costume jewelry is a story that reflects her unique approach to style and life.
1. The beginning of a love for costume jewelry
Iris was born in 1921 in New York City and was surrounded by fashion and accessories from a young age. Her mother owned a fashion boutique and helped Iris develop a taste for unusual jewelry. From an early age, she loved collecting costume jewelry, which allowed her to experiment with style.
One of the early stories Iris tells is about finding a huge necklace of fake pearls in a flea store. This was the beginning of her love for unusual and expressive jewelry. She loved finding unique pieces that could tell a story and make her stand out from the crowd.
2. Unique Style and Collection
Iris became known for her bold approach to fashion, which included mixing different styles, eras and cultures. Her costume jewelry collection became a real treasure trove of exotic jewelry collected from all over the world. She always chose unusual, extravagant and sometimes strange things, because she believed that jewelry is a way to express your individuality.
“Costume jewelry is an art, and each accessory should tell its own story,” Iris often said. She also believed that the right jewelry can turn the simplest outfit into a work of art.
3. Travel and Inspiration
Throughout her life, Iris and her husband Carl Apfel traveled the world, collecting unique art and jewelry. These travels inspired her to create eclectic images. In every corner of the world, she found local handicrafts that became part of her vast collection.
“I don’t need gold or diamonds. I prefer unusual, artistic things. It’s a real challenge to the imagination,” Iris said.
4. Philosophy of fashion and jewelry
Iris Apfel always encouraged people not to be afraid to experiment with fashion and not to follow strict rules. She was sure that jewelry is the key to creating a unique image. Her collections include not only expensive jewelry, but also costume jewelry found at flea markets or vintage clothing stores.
“Fashion is not rules, it’s a game. Jewelry is a way to make it more interesting,” Iris said.
5. Style icon in old age
In old age, Iris became a style icon thanks to her unusual and eccentric taste in jewelry. In 2005, her collection of jewelry and accessories was presented at an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This event cemented her status not just as a fashion enthusiast, but as a true style icon. The exhibition aroused great interest and admiration, showing that fashion has no age limits.
6. Iris’s Legacy
Iris Apfel continues to inspire people around the world with her attitude to fashion and jewelry. For her, jewelry is not just accessories, but a way of self-expression, a tool for creating unique images. Her famous phrase: **”More is more, and less is boring”** has become her personal credo, especially when it comes to choosing jewelry.
Iris has always insisted that jewelry can not only complement an image, but also tell a story, show a person’s character. She proved that jewelry, even inexpensive or made from unusual materials, can look impressive and stylish if worn with confidence and love for your image.
The story of Iris Apfel is the story of a woman who has spent her life using costume jewelry as a way to express her eccentric and creative nature, inspiring others to be bold and not be afraid to stand out.
