Style Icon Iris Apfel Signs up with Top Modelling Agency IMG at Age 97
The ambitious and enthusiastic businesswoman at 97 years proves that age is just a number for her. Iris is an inspiration to other women like her and she hopes that her success in the fashion industry will inspire older women to pursue their own dreams.
American businesswoman and renowned fashion icon Iris Apfel has been signed up with IMG- one of the world’s prominent modeling agencies at age 97. She’s in power with models like Gigi Hadid, Gisele Bundchen and Lily Aldridge as she would be taking up various endorsement opportunities, representing IMG.
You can spot the nonagenarian sporting short white hair, wearing large spectacles and larger than life accessories. She has become quite famous worldwide for her funky personal style. In 2005, Iris became the first person who is not a designer yet she had her clothing and accessories exhibited in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an exhibition that was titled Rara Avis (Rare bird): The Irreverent.
Iris began her career by working for ‘Women’s Wear Daily’. After marriage, she along with her husband launched the textile firm ‘Old World Weavers’ and ran it for several years. In her long career span, she has taken up various restoration projects which includes work at the White House for nine presidents.
In 2015, A Netflix documentary titled ‘Iris’ was based on Iris Apfel’s journey directed by Albert Maysles. In 2018, Harper Collins released a biography based on Iris’ life titled ‘Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon.’
Age is just a number
The ambitious and enthusiastic businesswoman at 97 years proves that age is just a number for her. Iris is an inspiration to other women like her and she hopes that her success in the fashion industry will inspire older women to pursue their own dreams.
Iris says, “I don’t think a number should make any difference and make you stop working I think retirement is a fate worse than death. I love to work, and love my work.” The fashion icon reveals that she has a great time whenever she’s surrounded by interesting and creative people. She encourages people to not only start working but to also enjoy their work.
By signing up with a top modeling agency at the age of 97, Iris just goes to prove that she is not defined by age. The style icon seems to be enjoying whatever she does and she’s definitely pouring her heart and soul into her work. Her passion towards her work is probably is the main ingredient that has led her to constant success all these years.
Views on Style
In an interview with Vogue in 2015, Iris said that Style shouldn’t be something that stresses you out but something that you should play and have fun with. She also emphasizes that one shouldn’t always get caught up by the rules of fashion. She is not against owning something that has value but she emphasizes the fact that style is something that should make you happy. The fashionista encourages one to follow their own style thus bringing forth their true identity. The icon focuses on being true to yourself even when it comes to fashion.
Undoubtedly, the 97-year-old fashion icon has got the right attitude and style which makes her a true style icon. The multi-talented woman points out when she says, "Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There's no how-to road map to style. It's about self-expression and, above all, attitude."