Iris Apfel’s story isn’t just one of fashion and flair; it’s a financial success story that continues to capture the world’s attention. Known for her bold style and legendary contributions to the world of interior design, Iris Apfel’s financial journey is just as remarkable as her eye-catching outfits.
In this article, we’ll dive into Iris Apfel’s net worth, the sources of her wealth, and how her legacy continues to influence both the fashion and business worlds.
Get ready to explore how this extraordinary icon built a fortune that has only grown over time.
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?
As of 2025, Iris Apfel’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million. This figure reflects her successful ventures in the fashion, interior design, and textile industries.
While not as high as some of her peers in the fashion world, Iris Apfel’s wealth is a testament to a lifetime of hard work, distinctive fashion choices, and strategic business moves. Compared to other influential figures in the design and fashion sectors, Iris has carved out a unique niche.
Notable figures connected to her career include:
- Carl Apfel
- The White House
- Old World Weavers
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- The Guardian
For more on the wealth of other top designers and fashion icons, check out the richest celebrities in the industry.
Iris Apfel Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did She Build Her Wealth?
Her rise to fame and fortune didn’t happen overnight. Starting with a career in interior design, Apfel first made a name for herself by working on numerous restoration projects, including those at the White House.
From the 1950s to 1992, she worked on iconic design projects for several U.S. presidents. This significant role allowed her to establish a reputation in the design industry, opening doors to further financial opportunities.
In 1948, Iris and her husband Carl Apfel founded Old World Weavers, a textile company that played a key role in their financial success.
The company’s success provided a stable income stream, and their work with clients like the White House elevated their profile in the industry. Their innovative textile designs earned them high-profile projects and significant business deals.
Additionally, Iris Apfel’s foray into fashion and her distinct, bold style helped her build a solid brand. She became a recognized face in fashion and was even named one of The Guardian’s 50 Best-Dressed Over 50s in 2013, further establishing her as a fashion icon.
What Was Her Source of Income?
Her income streams are diverse and stem from multiple areas of her career. Here are some of the primary sources:
Old World Weavers:
The textile company founded with Carl Apfel was a major source of income. The business earned lucrative deals with high-profile clients, contributing significantly to their wealth.
Interior Design and Restoration Projects:
Apfel’s work on restoration projects, particularly her role at the White House, led to financial success. Working on such high-profile projects brought her both prestige and financial gains.
Fashion Collaborations:
As a fashion icon, Iris Apfel’s collaborations with various brands helped boost her income. Her ability to attract attention with her unique style led to endorsement deals and paid partnerships.
Exhibitions and Museums:
The exhibition held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in 2005 and the documentary Iris (2015) brought additional financial recognition. These exhibitions cemented her status as a cultural figure and helped build her financial legacy.
How Did Her Style Impact Her Wealth?
Her iconic style is one of the key reasons for her financial success. Known for her oversized accessories and colorful outfits, Apfel became a fashion sensation despite being in her later years.
Her distinctive look caught the eye of designers, brands, and the media, which led to endorsement deals and collaborations.
She became a regular feature in the media, and her unique approach to fashion made her an influencer in her own right. As her public persona grew, so did her wealth, with lucrative brand partnerships and high-profile fashion shows contributing to her financial standing.
How Did Her Age Influence Her Financial Journey?
Age became just another factor that worked in Iris Apfel’s favor. As she entered her 80s and 90s, her reputation only grew. Her late-life celebrity status proved that age is not a barrier to success, and it even became a selling point in her brand.
This led to various speaking engagements, teaching roles, and continued exposure in fashion and design circles.
In 2012, she became a visiting professor at the University of Texas at Austin, continuing to impart her vast knowledge to students and further solidifying her influence.
Her Salary and Financial Success
While exact salary figures are not publicly available, Iris Apfel’s business ventures, exhibitions, collaborations, and media appearances have undoubtedly earned her a considerable income.
Through her work in interior design, her iconic fashion career, and successful business dealings, Iris Apfel has maintained a steady stream of income, contributing to her impressive net worth.
Conclusion
Iris Apfel’s financial journey is as remarkable as her career in fashion and interior design. From her early days in the textile industry to becoming a fashion icon in her later years, Iris has built a diverse portfolio of income sources.
If you’re interested in more celebrity financial stories, feel free to check out more articles on aupeo.com, where we dive into the latest insights on famous personalities and their finances.
