Iris Apfel’s ‘Accidental Icon’ Returns to Top of Book Charts Following Fashion Legend’s Passing

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The late Iris Apfel often saw her life as a series of happy accidents, which took her from copywriter to textile maker to IMG model and international maven of style. As she wrote in her acclaimed first book, Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon, her only goal in life was to live it to its fullest.

“I never want to be an old fuddy-duddy,” she quipped. “I hold the self-proclaimed record for being the ‘World’s Oldest Living Teenager’ and I intend to keep it that way.”

First published in 2018, Accidental Icon has returned to the top of the bestsellers charts after Apfel’s passing on March 1. The 176-page book features a series of musings, anecdotes and personal essays that draw from Apfel’s eclectic life and travels. Written in her witty and conversational style, the book chronicles her early upbringing in New York City to her rise through Manhattan’s social circles and eventual ascent into the upper echelons of fashion. The book also features never-before-seen images from Apfel’s personal collection, along with photos of her most memorable looks. Colorful art and whimsical illustrations — specially commissioned for the book — tie everything together.

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Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon

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Regularly $37.50, you can pick up Apfel’s book on Amazon right now for $25 here. It’s also available on Barnes & Noble and Walmart.com.

While Apfel found success later in life, she says Accidental Icon was written for readers of all ages (indeed, there are even pages dedicated to Disney-style cartoons and even a how-to guide for dressing as the then-octogenarian for Halloween).

“It’s very lighthearted, little essays and stories of the funny things that have happened to me – musings, really,” she told THR in 2018, adding that she found it “hysterically funny to become a whole big deal at my tender age.”

Accidental Icon was Apfel’s first book, but she was also working on a second release at the time of her passing. Officially titled Colorful: Inspiration, Influences, and Ideas for a Vibrant Life, the new hardcover book is now due out in August (though you can pre-order it on Amazon here).

In 2022, she launched a fashion collaboration with H&M that quickly sold out; some pieces are still available on eBay and other resale platforms. The Old World Weavers founder also had a colorful collection with Ruggable.

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Billed as a “treasure trove of ideas for creative minds,” the book will include Apfel’s musings on interior design and personal style, while weaving in stories of her famous friendships and influences. Publisher Abrams Books says Colorful will also feature more than 300 photographs from Apfel’s personal collection.

“Weaving in personal stories with her theories on using color, sparking imagination, and finding happiness, Apfel’s words dance across the pages, just like the jazz music she loves so dearly,” the publisher writes. “Apfel also ruminates on role models, speaks about her family, her education, and her cherished life lessons and experiences — all with her signature, witty one-liners.”

Apfel passed away at her home in Palm Beach, Florida on March 1. She was 102.