Iris Apfel dead at 102: Fashion icon and self-proclaimed ‘geriatric starlet’ passed at her home in Palm Beach, Florida

Iris Apfel, fashion icon and self-proclaimed ‘geriatric starlet’, has passed away at the age of 102.

The news was announced on her Instagram page on Friday, with a beautiful photo of the fashionista in a regal black and gold gown and her signature black glasses. 

‘Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024,’ read the caption on the photo. 

A spokesman for her estate confirmed the news to the New York Times and revealed that she died in her Palm Beach, Florida, home.

The cause of death has not been provided at this time.

The news was announced on her Instagram page on Friday, with a beautiful photo of the fashionista in a regal black and gold gown and her signature black glasses

Following the news of her death, fans rushed to her social media page to pay their respects.

‘RIP icon,’ one person wrote.

‘You will be missed,’ another added with a red-heart emoji.

‘An icon and true inspiration,’ yet another follower wrote.

‘Rest in beauty icon.’

Apfel, who was a New York style icon for years, only came to worldwide attention in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art showed an exhibition focusing on her fashion sense titled Rara Avis (Rare Bird).

She started her career as a copywriter for Women’s Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson. 

In 1948, she married husband Carl Apfel, and the duo owned a textile firm until they retired 44 years later. 

‘Iris Barrel Apfel, August 29, 1921 – March 1, 2024,’ read the caption on the photo; seen in 2015

A spokesman for her estate confirmed the news to the New York Times and revealed that she died in her Palm Beach, Florida, home; seen 2012

Over the years the pair worked on many restoration projects, including at the White House.

Carl died at the age of 100 in 2015. 

In 2019, at 97-years-old, Iris landed a modeling contract with IMG – the same agency that has repped top stars like Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss, and Miranda Kerr.