How did Iris Apfel turn her passion for textiles and fashion into a multimillion-dollar empire? Known for her flamboyant style and business acumen, she built an impressive fortune through her textile company, brand endorsements, and a late-in-life modeling career. Despite her passing, her influence on fashion and design remains.
This article dives deep into her financial success, including her wealth sources, salary, and financial management.
Whether you’re curious about her business ventures or fashion partnerships, keep reading to uncover the details of her financial journey.
Iris Apfel Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Iris Barrel Apfel |
| Popular Name | Iris Apfel |
| Birth Date | August 29, 1921 |
| Age (as of 02/25/2025) | 102 (Died: March 1, 2024) |
| Birthplace | Astoria, Queens, New York City, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish |
| Education | New York University, University of Wisconsin |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Spouse | Carl Apfel (m. 1948–2015) |
| Children | None |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | None (Only Child) |
| Parents | Samuel Barrel (father), Sadye Syd Barrel (mother) |
| Height | 5 ft 6½ in (1.69 m) |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
| Source of Wealth | Fashion, Interior Design, Business (Old World Weavers) |
What is the Net Worth of Iris Apfel in 2025?
At the time of her passing in 2024, Iris Apfel’s net worth was estimated at $25 million. Her wealth came from her textile business, interior design, and high-profile endorsements.
Unlike some fashion moguls who focused solely on apparel, Apfel’s expertise in historic textiles and White House restorations set her apart.
Compared to other fashion icons, her fortune was significant but modest compared to billionaire designers like Ralph Lauren or Giorgio Armani. However, her late-in-life rise to fame through modeling and brand deals added to her lasting financial legacy.
Related People & Companies
- Old World Weavers
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- White House Restoration Projects
- IMG Models
- WiseWear
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Mattel
- The Guardian
- University of Texas at Austin
- The Costume Institute
For more insights into the world’s most successful public figures, check out this list of top-earning fashion legends.
Iris Apfel Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Iris Apfel’s financial journey began in the textile industry, where she co-founded Old World Weavers with her husband in 1950. Their company specialized in recreating historic fabrics, which quickly gained the attention of high-profile clients, including the White House.
For over four decades, Iris Apfel worked on restoration projects for nine U.S. Presidents, from Harry Truman to Bill Clinton. This long-term government contract played a major role in her wealth accumulation.
After retiring in 1992, she transitioned into fashion and public speaking. Her 2005 exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, titled Rara Avis, showcased her unique personal style, launching her into fashion stardom.
What Were Her Main Sources of Income?
Despite no formal fashion training, Apfel became one of the most sought-after fashion influencers in her later years. Her wealth sources included:
- Textile Business (Old World Weavers): Sold high-end historic fabric reproductions
- Interior Design: Worked on restoration projects, particularly for the White House
- Endorsements & Brand Collaborations: Partnered with brands like Tommy Hilfiger and WiseWear
- Modeling & Public Appearances: Signed with IMG Models at 97
- Books & Media Projects: Published a biography, Accidental Icon, and featured in documentaries
How Did She Manage Her Finances?
Unlike many celebrities who rely on luxury spending, Iris Apfel was known for her smart financial management. She and her husband traveled the world in search of unique textiles, carefully curating their business expenses.
She believed in investing in quality over trends, which extended beyond fashion to her financial decisions. Her ability to reinvent herself at an older age, turning her personal style into a profitable brand, demonstrated her financial intelligence.
What Role Did Brand Partnerships and Endorsements Play in Her Wealth?
Iris Apfel’s brand collaborations were key to her financial success in later years. Some of her most lucrative deals included:
- WiseWear Smart Jewelry: A tech-based fashion line
- Mattel Barbie Doll: Inspired a collector’s edition Barbie in her likeness
- IMG Models Contract: Signed at age 97, proving age was no barrier to fashion success
- Fashion Campaigns: Featured in global Tommy Hilfiger and Blue Illusion campaigns
How Did Her Wealth Influence Her Legacy?
Iris Apfel’s financial success allowed her to leave a lasting mark on the fashion industry. Her philanthropic efforts and contributions to education included:
- Donating her fashion collection to museums
- Becoming a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin
- Inspiring future designers and businesswomen
Even after her passing, her financial legacy continues through exhibits, books, and fashion collaborations.
Conclusion
Iris Apfel’s wealth wasn’t just about numbers—it was about creativity, reinvention, and smart business decisions. From textiles to global fashion icon, she proved that age is no limit to financial success.
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