American fashion designer Iris Apfel dies aged 102
American fashion designer Iris Apfel dies aged 102
This video cannot be played
To play this video, you need JavaScript enabled in your browser. < /figure>By Christy CooneyBBC News
American designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel has died at the age of 102.
The self-described "geriatric starlet" was known for her distinctive cropped white hair, oversized glasses, bright lipstick and large pearls.
Apfel reached the height of her fame in the '80s and '90s, but she was a familiar face on Paris fashion shows for more than half a century.
She has also served a host of famous clients, including Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.
Born Raised in a Jewish family in New York in 1921, Apfel initially studied art history and specialized in interior design, particularly textiles. .
She worked as an interior designer for decades, including on restoration projects at the White House, before becoming a trendsetter at 80 years old and a professional model at 97 years old. .
In 2014, she was the subject of a documentary, Iris, directed by the famous director Albert Maysles.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight in 2015, she said she thought "dressing up should be fun" and was a "chance to play."
"It's a part of my life because I'm a creative person and I think other people should indulge in a little creativity," she said.
She was asked what she thought about it. Of the idea of age-appropriate dress, she said "if you can wear it, it's appropriate."
To play this video, you need JavaScript enabled in your browser. < /figure>By Christy CooneyBBC News
American designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel has died at the age of 102.
The self-described "geriatric starlet" was known for her distinctive cropped white hair, oversized glasses, bright lipstick and large pearls.
Apfel reached the height of her fame in the '80s and '90s, but she was a familiar face on Paris fashion shows for more than half a century.
She has also served a host of famous clients, including Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder.
Born Raised in a Jewish family in New York in 1921, Apfel initially studied art history and specialized in interior design, particularly textiles. .
She worked as an interior designer for decades, including on restoration projects at the White House, before becoming a trendsetter at 80 years old and a professional model at 97 years old. .
In 2014, she was the subject of a documentary, Iris, directed by the famous director Albert Maysles.
Speaking to BBC Newsnight in 2015, she said she thought "dressing up should be fun" and was a "chance to play."
"It's a part of my life because I'm a creative person and I think other people should indulge in a little creativity," she said.
She was asked what she thought about it. Of the idea of age-appropriate dress, she said "if you can wear it, it's appropriate."
