Iris Apfel: the New York fashion icon has died at 102

She did the interiors of the White House for nine presidents. She was the first to make jeans a formal garment. And it is almost logical, then, that at the age of four she was mad about a bow that didn't match her clothes. Iris Apfel, the 'starlet of the third age', as she liked to call herself, who became an absolute star of maximalist fashion in New York and beyond, has passed away at the age of 102.

Queen of design and business, Apfel has left an indelible mark on the style world. Her eclectic approach, characterised by bold colours, oversized glasses and a mix of high fashion and street pieces, has made her an icon of personal expression and creativity. Her contribution has extended far beyond her personal style: she and her husband, Carl, have also been influential in interior design. Their company, Old World Weavers, was renowned for its exquisite fabrics and designs.

Apfel's impact on fashion and design has been celebrated in various ways over the years, including museum retrospectives such as the one at the Metropolitan Museum of Art entitled 'Rara Avis (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel'. Exhibitions that highlighted her distinctive approach to fashion, showcasing her vast collection of vintage accessories from around the world and her syling skills. Apfel continued to influence fashion and design until the last years of her life, collaborating with brands such as H&M and becoming the face of global advertising campaigns.

Her legacy lives on through her work, her teaching as a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin and her biography, 'Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon', which shares her experiences and philosophy of life. And what is certain is that even after her passing, Iris Apfel will continue to inspire generations of designers, artists and all those who seek individuality.