Iris Apfel’s cheerful, no-nonsense approach to ageing is
typical of her optimistic outlook on life. When asked to name her greatest
achievement, she says simply: “I’m most proud of being alive and being
able to do interesting and creative work while helping people.” Is there
anything she regrets, or wishes she had known earlier? “Nothing!” she
answers firmly. “I don’t live backwards or forwards; I live in the now.”
And now, it seems, is very much Iris Apfel’s time.
“If somebody told me 10 years ago I’d be doing this, I would have laughed
and said, 'You’re nuts!'” says Iris Apfel, when we meet
on the set of Bazaar’s photo-shoot at the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach,
Florida. The international style icon, who celebrated her 100th birthday
last August, is a fervent believer in the power of serendipity. “I don’t
have plans; I make it a point. I’ve never had a business plan […] Things
just happen, and I try to take advantage of them if I think they’re
worthwhile. If something comes along and I like it, I’ll do it.”
