"What a life lived!": Fashion icon dies age 102
New York designer and style icon Iris Apfel has passed away aged 102.
Her death was confirmed by her commercial agent, Lori Sale, who called Apfel "extraordinary", although no cause of death was given.
Apfel, who was born on August 29, 1921, was known for her eccentric outfits, oversized black-rimmed glasses, bright red lipstick and short white hair.
Her death was also announced on the fashion icon's official Instagram page, on Friday US time, just one day after she celebrated her 102nd-and-a-half birthday.
"Working alongside her was the honour of a lifetime. I will miss her daily calls, always greeted with the familiar question: 'What have you got for me today?'" Sale said in a statement.
"She was a visionary in every sense of the word. She saw the world through a unique lens — one adorned with giant, distinctive spectacles that sat atop her nose."
Apfel was an expert on textiles and antique fabrics. She and her husband Carl owned textile manufacturing company, Old World Weavers, which specialised in restoration work, including projects at the White House under six different US presidents.
Apfel first rose to fame in 2005 when the curator of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute hosted a show about her called "Rara Avis". Latin for "rare bird".
They showcased the personal collection of vintage and designer accessories which were style on mannequins dressed in clothes Apfel would wear, and the exhibit became an instant success.
Following the exhibit Apfel was awarded several opportunities including featuring in a 2007 coffee table book, a 2012 MAC Cosmetics campaign, and a 2014 documentary about her life, which was nominated for an Emmy award three years later.
Apfel was also gained popularity among the younger generation, with over 3 million followers on Instagram, and over 250,000 on TikTok.
"More is more & Less is a Bore," the bio read across her social media platforms.
Despite her age, Apfel never retired, and told Today: "I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn't mean you have to stop."
Tributes have poured in from fans across the world.
"What a life lived! What an example set! What footsteps you have left behind! Rest peacefully, icon!" one wrote.
"She inspired so many women to be bold, and brave and truly authentic….to ignore the number of years we have lived and view age as an opportunity to shine. What a beautiful legacy," another added.
"What a blessing to live that long and look that fabulous doing it," wrote a third.
The style icon was married to Carl Apfel for 67 years until his death in 2015. They had no children.
Images: Instagram