Remembering Fashion Maverick Iris Apfel

Elderly woman with white hair in large red glasses, wearing polka dot outfit and layered pearl necklaces.

The world lost a true fashion luminary with the passing of centenarian Iris Apfel. A style maven with an incomparable sense of flair and individuality, Iris left an indelible mark on the fashion landscape.

Remembering a Style EYEcon

Iris Apfel was more than just a woman with a penchant for fashion; she was a living canvas, using her wardrobe as a form of self-expression. Her bold and eclectic style defied conventional norms, and her ability to effortlessly mix colors, textures, and patterns became her signature. Iris was a walking testament to the belief that fashion is a form of self-expression, an art form that should be embraced with joy and fearlessness.

Elderly woman wearing large turquoise jewelry, a fur-collared denim jacket, and fashion glasses.

Iconic Eyewear

No discussion of Iris Apfel’s style would be complete without highlighting her iconic eyewear. Her oversized glasses became synonymous with her image, capturing attention and reflecting her unique perspective on life. These eyeglasses weren’t merely a visual necessity; they were a symbol of confidence and the audacity to be different.

Elderly woman in stylish oversized glasses and bold, colorful accessories against a vibrant red background.

Iris’s Advice for Creating Your Own Style

As Iris once wisely said, “Figure out who you are, and try and experiment. Put some hard work into it, and it will definitely pay off.” Her philosophy encourages us all to embrace our unique selves, to experiment with our style, and to put in the effort to create a wardrobe that reflects our authentic identity.

Another piece of advice from Iris rings true: “I may wear the same articles, but I put them together in different ways. It’s a creative process, and you’ll enjoy doing it…And have fun with color, it’s there for you to enjoy.” Iris Apfel believed in the power of creativity and enjoying the process of curating a wardrobe that brings joy and self-expression.

A Grateful Collaboration

In the world of eyewear, we were fortunate to collaborate with Iris Apfel, bringing her extraordinary vision to a collection that celebrates diversity, individuality, and the joy of self-expression.

A Collection Inspired by Iris

Our collaboration with Iris Apfel is a celebration of her spirit. The eyewear collection she inspired is a testament to her timeless influence on fashion and style. The collection features bold frames, vibrant colors, and, of course, oversized eyewear that channels Iris’s unmistakable aesthetic.

Elderly woman wearing white sunglasses, colorful floral dress, chunky blue and gold necklaces, and gold cuffs.

A Legacy Lives On

As we bid farewell to a true fashion icon, let us remember Iris Apfel not with sadness but with gratitude for the indomitable spirit she shared with the world. Her legacy lives on in the pages of fashion history, in the wardrobes of those who dare to be different, and in the frames of eyeglasses that continue to inspire.

Iris x Zenni logo.

Thank you, Iris Apfel, for the vibrancy and joy you brought to the world of fashion. May your spirit continue to inspire generations to come.

ZENNI Eyewear for Everyone. Shop now.

Photograph of Catherine Ong

Catherine Ong

Dr. Catherine Ong, OD, is an optometrist based in the Bay Area, California. She earned her doctorate from UC Berkeley, School of Optometry and currently provides primary and speciality eyecare in a private practice setting. She has a passion for patient education and enjoys reshaping technical concepts into digestable topics for all patients. When she is not seeing patients, you can find her exploring new restaurants, exercising, or trying out new recipes.