Used to call herself ugly: 102-year-old fashion icon Iris Apfel has died

American model, designer and fashion icon Iris Apfel, known for her eccentric style, died on March 1. The star of leading fashion magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Elle, Vogue, and L'Officiel was 102 years old.

The tragic news was confirmed by her commercial agent Lori Sale. The cause of death has not been announced, the Associated Press writes.

Iris Apfel is not just a model but a cult personality in the fashion world because she gained her fame through hard work, without the help of wealthy gentlemen and her appearance. The American has always said that she is "ugly" and "will never be beautiful," and that she owes her popularity to her sense of style.

Until she was 100, she demonstrated such bright, extraordinary and bold combinations that ordinary 21st-century models, who mostly prefer minimalism and classics, would be afraid to wear.

Iris Apfel was respected by designers, fashion magazine editors, and the socialite elite, so she was often seen on the red carpet. The last time she made such an appearance was in 2021.

"Being stylish and being fashionable are two completely different things. You can easily buy your way to being fashionable. Style, I think, is in your DNA. It implies originality and courage," Iris taught her more than three million followers.

During her lifetime, the fashion designer had her own textile factory, restored jewelry, and took on various jobs, gaining credibility. However, fame came to her at the age of 80 after the exhibition Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Barrel Apfel Collection.

The vivid looks presented there were so popular with the public that the designer instantly became a star. More than one movie was made about her, magazines and cosmetics brands began to offer cooperation, and TV channels started to call her for a conversation.

She was a cheerful woman who enjoyed advising fashionistas and attending social events. Her trademark is massive glasses, red lipstick, and short gray hair. Other elements of her look - feathers, acid colors, leather - changed from time to time.

Apfel's husband died in 2015 after 67 years of marriage. They had no children as both of them were busy with their careers in their youth and did not want to give their children to nannies.

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