The Fascinating Life and Iconic Style of Iris Apfel

TLDRIris Apfel, a fashion icon and influential designer, shares her extraordinary life journey and love for accessories. From growing up in New York to traveling to Europe, Iris's unique sense of style and ability to transform basic outfits with accessories is truly inspiring.

Key insights

👒Iris's grandparents played a significant role in her life and upbringing, instilling in her a love for fashion and style.

💼Iris's father had a mirror business and traveled to Europe, exposing her to beautiful and unique treasures from a young age.

🧣Iris's mother taught her the importance of accessories and how they can transform a basic wardrobe into countless stylish outfits.

🐻Iris's love for animals extends beyond live pets; she collects and dresses up stuffed animals, giving them a life of their own.

🚢Iris's grandparents immigrated to America, facing incredible hardships and demonstrating great strength and resilience.

Q&A

What inspired Iris Apfel's unique sense of style?

Iris Apfel credits her grandparents and her mother for inspiring her love for fashion and style, particularly her accessory-driven approach.

What role did Iris Apfel's grandparents play in her life?

Iris Apfel's grandparents had a significant impact on her life, teaching her about style, taste, and the importance of self-expression.

Why does Iris Apfel collect stuffed animals?

Iris Apfel collects and dresses up stuffed animals as a way to express her love for animals and add a touch of whimsy to her surroundings.

What was Iris Apfel's experience like immigrating to America?

Iris Apfel's grandparents faced incredible hardships when they immigrated to America, but their strength and resilience inspired her throughout her life.

How did Iris Apfel develop her accessory-driven fashion philosophy?

Iris Apfel's mother taught her the importance of accessories in transforming basic outfits, and she further developed her philosophy through her own experimentation and love for personal style.

Timestamped Summary

00:05Iris Apfel expresses her gratitude for the warm reception and begins the interview.

00:19Iris Apfel discusses her background, including her grandparents, their move to America, and her upbringing in New York.

00:50Iris Apfel shares her thoughts on astrology and her experiences as a Virgo.

01:13Iris Apfel reminisces about her parents, their business ventures, and her mother's influence on her fashion sense and love for accessories.

03:00Iris Apfel talks about her collection of stuffed animals and their role in her life and home decor.

06:46Iris Apfel reflects on the challenges faced by her grandparents as immigrants and their impact on her personal and professional journey.

09:05Iris Apfel discusses her early experiences traveling on the subway and her first purchase from a basement shop in Greenwich Village.

10:35Iris Apfel highlights the importance of curiosity and how it has influenced her personal and professional life.