Fashion icon and self-proclaimed “aging starlet” Iris Apfel died on Friday (March 1) at the age of 102. A spokesman for Apfel's estate confirmed the news to The New York Times, telling the newspaper she died at her home in Palm Beach, Florida. Meanwhile, a short statement on her Instagram account with the caption “Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024” also revealed her death.
Apfel — who was known for her over-the-top style, which always included a vibrant color palette, layered jewelry, and her signature round glasses paired with a bold red lip — worked in the textile industry and designed interiors for decades before becoming a bona fide pop culture sensation. Along the way, she made meaningful connections with people from all industries, so it wasn't long before Apfel's celebrity friends were flooding the internet with tributes to the late legend.
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Lenny Kravitz was one of the first to express his condolences, writing: “You have mastered the art of living. Thank you for your energy and inspiration.” Molly Ringwald, for her part, described Apfel as “a rare and beautiful bird,” while Viola Davis commented “Godspeed” on the sad news.
Fashion designer Donna Karan, who celebrated Apfel's 102nd birthday with her in August, wrote a heartfelt message to her friend on Instagram praising Iris for pushing her out of her fashion comfort zone. “@iris.apfel had a passion for fashion like no other. If I had to name the best dressed woman in the world it would be Iris. Head to toe in color, jewelry and the most beautiful little details, no one understood style like she did,” Karan wrote alongside a photo of the couple.
“She inspired me to do color and more color instead of my usual black and white!” She continued, adding, “The love that surrounded her will be with her forever and ever. I am so grateful to have known Iris and the wisdom she shared with us. This is not a goodbye, it's a see you later.” . You will always be in my heart, Iris, with beautiful memories and I can’t thank you enough for that.”
Maria Shriver also paid extensive tribute to Apfel on X (formerly Twitter), recalling the “remarkable” life she led.
“She's done it all: she's been a businesswoman, she's been a model, she's been a fashion icon, she's been a college professor, she's been a star in a documentary, she's been a Barbie doll!” “Iris is a true testament to that. that age is just a number and that we only have one life, so we all have to live,” she wrote, adding: “She died today at the age of 102 and in fact she still had unfinished business – Coming out in August a book about her life and the important moments called “Colorful”. Colorful, indeed! Thanks for the inspiration, Iris!”
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