Iris Apfel, an American fashion icon, businesswoman, model, and interior designer, is renowned for her distinctive personal style and her thriving interior design business, which has flourished for over four decades
With a massive social media following, including over 2 million on Instagram, more than 100,000 on Twitter, and in excess of 1 million on Facebook, Apfel has captured the hearts of fashion enthusiasts and design aficionados worldwide.
Apfel’s distinctive style and bold fashion choices catapulted her to fame in the fashion world.
Known for her oversized glasses, colorful outfits, and penchant for mixing high fashion with flea market finds, she quickly became a fashion icon and a favorite subject of photographers and designers alike.
In addition to her work in fashion, Apfel also found success as a businesswoman. Alongside her husband, Carl, she founded Old World Weavers, a textile company specializing in rare and unique fabrics.
The company’s clients included the White House, where Apfel was enlisted to assist with several restoration projects.
Also Read: Ariel Gomerez (Love Is Blind Season 6): Who Is He? Girlfriend, Bio, Family, Career and More
Table of Contents
Iris Apfel: Religion
Delving Into the Religious Roots of a Fashion Icon
Iris Apfel has been a captivating figure in the fashion world, known for her unique style and unwavering embrace of individuality.1
Among the many questions that surround her life and career, one that often emerges is about her religious background: Was Iris Apfel Jewish or Christian?
Iris Apfel: A Jewish Heritage
Iris Apfel was indeed Jewish. Born to Jewish Russian immigrants, her cultural and religious upbringing was deeply rooted in Judaism. Despite her Jewish heritage, Apfel’s relationship with organized religion was nuanced.
Exploring Apfel’s Spiritual Outlook
While she identified as Jewish, Apfel’s approach to her faith was more secular. She expressed a belief in God but admitted to rarely attending synagogue.
This complexity highlights the diverse ways individuals connect with their spirituality.
Influence of Judaism on Apfel’s Life
Apfel’s Jewish heritage undoubtedly influenced her outlook on creativity, resilience, and self-expression. Jewish culture values uniqueness and diversity, principles that resonated with Apfel’s bold fashion choices and non-conformist attitude.
The Role of Jewish Values
The emphasis on education, tenacity, and familial bonds in Jewish culture likely contributed to Apfel’s determination and work ethic. Her Jewish identity was an integral part of who she was, shaping her artistry and ethos.
Apfel’s story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of identity. Her Jewish heritage was a source of inspiration and strength, evident in her fashion choices and commitment to authenticity.
Iris Apfel’s Jewish heritage was a significant part of her life, shaping her worldview and experiences.
While she may not have been overtly religious, her Jewish identity permeated every aspect of her being, making her a unique and influential figure in the fashion world.
Iris Apfel: Ethnicity
Iris Apfel’s story is a fascinating journey through her rich ethnicity and family origins, which have profoundly influenced her life and career.
Exploring Iris Apfel’s Family Roots
Born to Samuel and Sadye Barrel, Iris Apfel’s family heritage is deeply rooted in her Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. Her parents, Russian immigrants, instilled in her a strong sense of cultural identity and tradition.
Growing up in Queens, New York, Iris was the only child on her family’s farm.
Despite being the sole focus of her parents’ attention, she was deeply immersed in her Jewish heritage, surrounded by the traditions, values, and customs passed down through generations.
Early Signs of a Fashion Icon
Even from a young age, Iris displayed a keen interest in fashion, a passion that would later define her career.
Her unique style and bold fashion choices set her apart as a trendsetter, captivating audiences with her fearless approach to self-expression.
102 TODAY… who would’ve thought!!
🎈🌈🍰🥳🎂🎁🎊1️⃣0️⃣2️⃣🎊🎁🎂🥳🍰🌈🎈 pic.twitter.com/JC0cbnasMx— Iris Apfel (@IrisBApfel) August 29, 2023
A Career Defined by Style and Innovation
While Iris initially pursued studies in art history at New York University and the University of Wisconsin art school, her career took off when she entered the world of interior design.
Collaborating with renowned designers like Elinor Johnson, Iris honed her skills and developed a unique eye for styling spaces.
Her career took a pivotal turn when she began styling guests at Grossinger’s resort, a move that catapulted her into the world of fashion and established her as a style icon.
A Journey of Identity and Heritage
- Throughout her life and career, Iris Apfel’s Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity has remained a central part of her identity, grounding her in a rich cultural heritage that has infused her work with depth and authenticity.
- Despite her celebrity status, Iris has never forgotten her roots, always remaining connected to the traditions and values instilled by her immigrant parents.
- Her journey from a farm in Queens to the heights of the fashion world is a testament to the power of identity, heritage, and passion.
- Iris Apfel’s story is not just one of personal achievement but also a celebration of diversity within the fashion industry.
- Her Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity has not only shaped her personal narrative but has also contributed to the vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds that make up the world of fashion.
Iris Apfel: Bio
A Fashion Icon’s Early Years
Iris Apfel, born Iris Barrel on August 29, 1921, in Astoria, Queens, New York, was destined for a life immersed in the world of fashion.2
Raised by her parents, Samuel Barrel and Sadye Asofsky, Iris was brought up with a deep appreciation for creativity and entrepreneurship.
Being the only child, Iris enjoyed a close bond with her family, which played a significant role in shaping her future.
Discovering a Passion for Fashion
From a young age, Iris Apfel showed a keen interest in fashion. Growing up in Queens, New York, she was surrounded by the vibrant and diverse culture of the city, which influenced her style and outlook on life.
Her parents, Samuel and Sadye, recognized her passion and encouraged her to explore her creativity.
Early Influences and Inspirations
Iris’s parents, Samuel and Sadye, were instrumental in shaping her love for fashion.
They exposed her to the arts and culture of New York City, which ignited her imagination and fueled her desire to express herself through clothing.
Additionally, Iris’s upbringing in a close-knit family environment provided her with the support and encouragement she needed to pursue her dreams.
A Unique Perspective on Fashion
What sets Iris Apfel apart from other fashion icons is her unique perspective on style. Instead of conforming to traditional norms, Iris embraces individuality and self-expression.
Her eclectic and bold fashion choices have made her a standout figure in the industry, inspiring people of all ages to embrace their uniqueness.
Building a Fashion Empire
- Iris Apfel’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish a successful career in the fashion industry.
- She and her husband, Carl Apfel, founded Old World Weavers, a textile company that specialized in reproducing historic fabrics.
- Their business thrived, and Iris’s keen eye for design and her ability to blend vintage and contemporary styles made her a sought-after figure in the fashion world.
- Today, Iris Apfel is celebrated not only for her distinctive style but also for her advocacy for individuality and self-expression.
- She continues to inspire people around the world to embrace their uniqueness and to never be afraid to stand out.
- Her legacy serves as a reminder that fashion is not just about clothes; it’s about expressing who you are and celebrating your individuality.
Iris Apfel: Net Worth 2024
Iris Apfel, an iconic figure in the worlds of fashion and interior design, has built a remarkable net worth of $25 million over the course of her illustrious career.3
Her journey to success is a testament to her unparalleled talent, unwavering work ethic, and innovative approach to design.
Not only has her success brought her financial stability, but it has also earned her widespread admiration and recognition from her peers and admirers.
Born in 1921 in Queens, New York, Iris Apfel developed a love for fashion and design at a young age.
She studied art history at New York University and began her career in interior design. Her unique style and eye for design quickly caught the attention of the fashion world, propelling her to fame and success.
Rise to Prominence
Iris Apfel’s rise to prominence began in the 1950s when she and her husband, Carl Apfel, launched their textile company, Old World Weavers.
The company specialized in reproducing antique fabrics, and their work was soon sought after by top interior designers and prestigious clients around the world.
Iris Apfel’s influence extends far beyond her work in interior design. Her bold and eclectic sense of style has made her a fashion icon, admired for her fearless approach to fashion and her ability to mix high-end pieces with thrift store finds.
She has been featured in numerous fashion magazines and has become a favorite subject of photographers and designers alike.
Iris Apfel’s Unique Style
- One of the hallmarks of Iris Apfel’s style is her love of accessories. She is often seen wearing oversized glasses, chunky jewelry, and colorful scarves, creating a look that is uniquely her own.
- Her style has inspired countless fashion lovers around the world and has earned her a legion of fans.
- Iris Apfel’s impact on the worlds of fashion and design cannot be overstated. Her fearless approach to style has challenged conventional ideas of beauty and has encouraged people to embrace their individuality.
- She has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, using her platform to promote emerging designers and celebrate diversity in all its forms.
- As she continues to inspire people around the world with her unique style and innovative approach to design, Iris Apfel’s legacy is secure.
- Her net worth of $25 million is a testament to her talent, hard work, and dedication to her craft. She has proven that age is no barrier to success and that true style is timeless.
