Fashion icon Iris Apfel has turned 102 years old - and fans can't get enough of the iconic designer as she marked the occasion in style.
Not everyone is lucky enough to make it to 102 years old - least of all while being in great health and serving serious fashion looks - but Iris has not let being a centenarian (and some change) slow her down.
She took to Instagram ahead of the big day to share herself raising a toast to the occasion - as well as #NationalRedWineDay - telling her followers: "A red wine toast for me + you. One last night til 102!"
In another photo, she showed herself posing with pink metallic helium balloons spelling out her age, as she added: "102 TODAY… who would’ve thought!!"
In that snap, she opted for an all-pink ensemble, pairing a flowing pink satin cape with matching slacks, a floral patterned jumper and tights, fuchsia fishnet loafers, and yet more chunky bangles and necklaces in matching hues.
Her followers rushed to wish her well on the occasion, with one writing: "Happy Birthday Iris, you're gorgeous, charismatic lady! You're the inspiration for all off us."
Another added: "I first found out about you when you were 84. It has been such a joy watching you all these years since. You are bright star and an inspiration Ms Iris. God bless you!!!"
A third wrote: "Dear Mrs. Iris, you are an inspiration to many around the world, including me. May you live 200 years surrounded by joy and happiness, health and love. I hope that someday one of my dreams will come true to bow to you in person. Greetings with big hug."
Another simply added: "Happy Birthday! Thanks for showing us all how to live life fabulously!!!"
The American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon is instantly recognizable thanks to the bold, round glasses that have become her trademark look.
She boasts over 2.8 million followers on Instagram, where her bio reveals her life motto: "More is more and less is a bore."
Amen to that.
Born in 1921, she has fondly been dubbed the "oldest teenager in the world" and famously shared the philosophy she lives by: "I don't have any rules, because I would only be breaking them, so it's a waste of time."
Her love of incredible accessories was drummed into her by her mother while she was growing up in the Great Depression, after her mom advised her to buy a single black dress as then she would have an outfit suitable for any occasion - depending how she dressed it up or down with her accessories.
She married her husband, Carl Apfel, in 1948, and the pair launched their textile business in 1950 which they ran together until they retired in 1992.
The pair never had children due to their hectic traveling schedules sourcing materials from around the world, as Iris did not want their kids to be raised by nannies instead of their parents.
While she was always a hugely successful businesswoman, Iris became more and more well-known as a personality as she got older, even signing a modeling contract at the age of 97 after becoming evermore sought after for campaigns.
Sadly, she has been a widow since 2015 after her husband of 67 years died in 2015, three days shy of his 101st birthday.
Despite being 102 years old, Iris refuses to retire and has instead launched a collection of brooches, necklaces, and earrings the week before her birthday.
When turning 100, she famously said: "I think retiring at any age is a fate worse than death. Just because a number comes up doesn't mean you have to stop."
Whatever she's doing is clearly working for her - happy birthday, Iris!
0 commentaires :