Models are typically young women in their teens and 20s, but now, an elderly woman is showing the world that there is no age limit when it comes to modeling!
Iris Apfel just proved once and for all that age is just a number by signing a modeling contract with IMG models at the age of 97. She has been known as an international style icon, designer, and tastemaker for decades, and now she can add “model” to her resume!
“I’m very excited,” Iris said. “I never had a proper agent.”
Iris went on to say that she has always managed her career herself.
“I’m a do-it-yourself girl. I never expected my life would take this turn, so I never prepared for it,” she said.
“It all just happened so suddenly, and I thought at my tender age, I’m not going to set up offices and get involved with all kinds of things,” Iris continued. “I thought it was a flash in the pan, and it’s not going to last. Somehow, people found me. People would just call. Tommy Hilfiger said that was no way to do it, and he put us together. I’m very excited and very grateful.”
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Iris attended the “Iris” photo call during the 52nd New York Film Festival in 2014. ?
Ivan Bart, head of IMG Models, said that they could not be more excited to have Iris.
“Iris is an icon with immeasurable talent,” he said. “She radiates creativity and inspiration, and we’re so excited to explore new and unique opportunities with her, where her natural gifts can be shared with the world.”
Iris began her career in the 1950s, when she started her own textile company with her husband Carl that became so successful that they eventually worked on nine restoration projects at the White House.
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“If I could remain one age forever, I wouldn’t. I don’t believe in that.”
As for what her work with IMG Models will look like, Iris said she has no intention of doing runway modeling.
“How can I compete on runway? That’s ridiculous,” the no-nonsense senior citizen said. “We’ll be doing hopefully collaborations, or maybe I’ll be a spokesperson. I leave it to them. They know better than I.”
“I’ve had all kinds of interesting commissions in my limited career,” she continued. “Everything from vodka and automobiles to beauty products, and I’ve also had a number of interesting collaborations with big stores like Bon Marché in Paris, the Landmark Mall in Hong Kong, Macy’s, and Bergdorf Goodman.”
Iris wants the world to know that her fame will not go to her head.
“My husband, until he passed on, we used to sit there and laugh and laugh, and I’d say I’m no different than I was 70 years ago, and all of a sudden, I’m cool, I’m a hot property,” she explained. “It’s ridiculous. People tell me it’s because I’m real… and say what I think.”
“Who would think I would be a 97-year-old cover girl?” she added.
Iris is hoping that her story will inspire other women to keep working, no matter how old they get.
“I don’t think a number should make any difference and make you stop working,” she said. “I think retirement is a fate worse than death. I love to work and love my work… I meet interesting, creative people, my juices flow, and I really have a fine time.”
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