History of Iris Apfel in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2024

Iris Apfel was an American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon known for her eclectic style and oversized eyeglasses. Married to Carl Apfel, the couple ran a successful textile firm from 1950 to 1992, even completing commissions for nine presidential administrations. After retiring, Apfel's personal collection of costume jewelry was featured in a 2005 exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. This catapulted her into the spotlight as a fashion icon, leading to a 2014 documentary, "Iris," and a modeling contract with IMG at the age of 97.

August 29, 1921: Iris Barrel is Born

On August 29, 1921, Iris Barrel, later known as Iris Apfel, was born in Astoria, Queens, New York City. She was the only child of Samuel and Sadye "Syd" Barrel, and would go on to become a renowned figure in the fashion world.

February 22, 1948: Iris Barrel Marries Carl Apfel

Iris Barrel and Carl Apfel were married on February 22, 1948, embarking on a relationship that would last for 67 years.

1950: Iris and Carl Apfel Launch Old World Weavers

In 1950, Iris and her husband, Carl, launched their textile firm, Old World Weavers, which specialized in reproducing fabrics from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.

1967: Samuel Barrel Passes Away

In 1967, Samuel Barrel, Iris Apfel's father, passed away.

1992: Iris and Carl Apfel Retire

After a successful career in textiles, Iris and Carl Apfel retired from their business, Old World Weavers, in 1992.

1998: Sadye "Syd" Barrel Passes Away

In 1998, Sadye "Syd" Barrel, Iris Apfel's mother, passed away.

2005: "Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel" Exhibition Opens

On September 13, 2005, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art premiered an exhibition dedicated to Iris Apfel's style. This marked the museum's first exhibit on clothing and accessories centered around a living person who wasn't a designer, solidifying Apfel's status as a fashion icon.

2011: Iris Apfel Becomes Visiting Professor at UT Austin

In 2011, Iris Apfel took on the role of a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin, sharing her knowledge and experience in the Division of Textiles and Apparel.

2013: Iris Apfel Listed as One of "Best-Dressed over 50" by The Guardian

In 2013, Iris Apfel was recognized for her enduring style by being included in The Guardian's list of the fifty "Best-Dressed over 50."

September 2014: Iris Apfel Featured in "Advanced Style Film: Featurette"

Iris Apfel was interviewed for the documentary "Advanced Style Film: Featurette," released in September 2014, which showcased individuals with unique and inspiring fashion sense.

October 2014: "Iris" Documentary Premieres at New York Film Festival

The documentary "Iris," directed by Albert Maysles and focusing on Iris Apfel, premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2014.

2014: "Iris" Documentary Premieres

In October 2014, the Albert Maysles documentary "Iris," focusing on the life and career of Iris Apfel, premiered at the New York Film Festival.

August 1, 2015: Carl Apfel Passes Away

On August 1, 2015, Carl Apfel, Iris's husband of 67 years, passed away at the age of 100.

2015: "Iris" Documentary Acquired for US Theatrical Distribution

In 2015, Magnolia Pictures acquired the rights to the documentary "Iris" for US theatrical distribution, making it accessible to a wider audience.

March 2016: Iris Apfel Collaborates with WiseWear on Smart Jewelry

In March 2016, Iris Apfel announced a collaboration with technology startup WiseWear to develop a line of smart jewelry, blending fashion with technology.

June 7, 2016: Iris Apfel Receives Women Together Special Award of the Year

On June 7, 2016, Iris Apfel received the Women Together Special Award of the Year at the 12th Annual Women Together Gala held at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York City.

November 2016: Iris Apfel Awarded Women's Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award

In November 2016, Iris Apfel's contributions to the fashion field were acknowledged with the Women's Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award, presented at the United Nations in New York City.

2017: Iris Apfel Honored at The New Jewish Home's Eight over Eighty Gala

In 2017, Iris Apfel was recognized and celebrated as an honoree at The New Jewish Home's Eight over Eighty Gala, further highlighting her impact and influence.

2017: Iris Apfel Appears in "If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast" Documentary

Iris Apfel was featured in the 2017 documentary "If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast," which explored the lives of individuals who continue to thrive in their later years.

2018: Mattel Creates Iris Apfel Barbie Doll

In 2018, Mattel honored Iris Apfel by creating a Barbie doll in her likeness, making her the oldest person to have a Barbie made in their image.

2018: "Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon" is Published

Iris Apfel's biography, "Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon," was published by HarperCollins in 2018, offering readers a deeper look into her life and career.

2019: Iris Apfel Signs Modeling Contract with IMG at Age 97

In 2019, Iris Apfel, at 97 years old, signed a modeling contract with global agency IMG, signifying her enduring relevance and influence in the fashion world.