I decided when I was 19 that I didn't like all these stereotypes that I was supposed to fit into. I wasn't comfortable and they made me very unhappy. So I tried and I spent a miserable summer, and then I went back to school and said, 'I'm going to do my own thing because I think I have a thing to do. I'm not going to live in anybody else's image because I don't like that.' I felt much better. I didn't do it to rebel against anybody or anything.
Iris ApfelI don't pay attention to things like the talent for style. I don't meditate on things like that. I just do whatever I think I should do and go with it, and if people like it, then I'm very happy about it. And if not, I always figure it's their problem not mine.
Iris ApfelIf you don't have any individuality and you're happy just being one of the girls (or boys) be my guest. I'm not the fashion police. I won't fault you.
Iris ApfelI find that if I get up and push myself, I get lost in what I'm doing, and I forget about everything else until I stop doing it.
Iris ApfelYou donโt have to look like an old fuddy-duddy, but I believe it was Chanel who said, โNothing makes a woman look so old as trying desperately hard to look youngโ. I think you can be attractive at any age. I think trying to look like a spring chicken when youโre not makes you look ridiculous.
Iris Apfel