013. Iris Apfel and Adam Vicarel: Creativity Fueled by Travel

This dual feature episode explores the life of Iris Apfel, a globe-trotting icon whose design career spans interiors, textiles, and fashion, alongside Adam Vicarel, a designer and lettering artist whose work is deeply inspired by his love of travel and storytelling. Together, they demonstrate how the experiences of the world can shape bold, creative visions.

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Sources:

• The CEO Magazine “How Iris Apfel, 100, defies her age in the business world”
• South China Morning Post “Meet Iris Apfel”
• 2014 Documentary “IRIS” by Albert Maysles

About Iris Apfel:

Iris Apfel, born on August 29, 1921, in Queens, New York, is a renowned American businesswoman, interior designer, and fashion icon. Alongside her husband Carl, she founded Old World Weavers in 1950, a textile firm celebrated for its reproduction of antique fabrics. Their work included notable projects like the restoration of the White House under nine presidents, enhancing its historical elegance.

Iris's distinctive personal style, characterized by bold accessories and eclectic fashion choices, made her a fashion muse and a beloved figure in the industry. Her influence was further cemented by the 2005 Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art titled "Rara Avis: The Irreverent Iris Apfel."

In addition to her work in design, Iris has collaborated with brands like MAC Cosmetics and H&M, bringing her unique aesthetic to a broader audience. She continues to inspire with her memoir "Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon" and a modeling contract with IMG signed at age 97, showcasing her enduring appeal and influence.

For more information, explore her memoir or the New York Times article.

About Adam Vicarel:

Adam Vicarel is a brand designer, lettering artist and mural painter who is obsessed with merging the worlds of fine art and strategic design. In his personal work Adam infuses his love for travel and the outdoors into his typography, illustration and storytelling to create visceral experiences for his audience. That’s visceral, not Vicarel.

His graph design studio, Vicarel Studios works on visual identity systems, packaging art installations, and more, and they’ve created for brands like NBC, Twitter, Lululemon, United Airlines and Sharpie. Their unique process of combining fine art with design allows them to craft provocative brands and artful experiences unbound by industry or medium.

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View all the visually rich 1-min reels of each woman on IG below:

Instagram: Amber Asay
Instagram: Women Designers Pod