Latest news with #IrisApfel
Vogue Singapore
31-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Vogue Singapore
How to clean jewellery, according to the experts
@tiffanyandco 'Jewellery is the most transformative thing you can wear,' said the late, great fashion icon Iris Apfel. How to clean jewellery, then, should be an easily answerable and well-attended to question within your fashion vocabulary. Whether an ornate, gemstone-studded brooch, a simple set of gold hoops to wear every day, a family heirloom necklace, or 'MOM'-emblazoned knuckle rings: Your special pieces deserve to be kept tarnish-free, sparkly, and clean. It doesn't have to be so complicated, but there's a few hard and fast rules to stick to when it comes to keeping your jewellery shining. You should first determine exactly what material your jewellery is made from: Gold or gold-plated? Silver or sterling silver? Brass or gemstone? This may affect how you approach your cleaning process, and how often you do it. You can check in, too, on your jewellery manufacturer to see if they have any specific recommendations (brands like Pandora and Mejuri do) or products they advise to use with their pieces. When in doubt, check with the maker of your jewel. Brands are upping their after-sales service these days to support the care and maintenance of the pieces you've acquired from them. Cartier's Takashimaya flagship boasts a dedicated area just for this. Courtesy of Cartier It's also good to remember that storing your jewellery correctly is just as important for keeping them tarnish-free and intact: Separate your pieces, keep them cool, and keep them out of direct sunlight. Andraya Kenon, founder and creative director of brand Celeste Starre, says: 'Store your pieces separately to keep them gleaming for a lifetime.' I sought out Emily Nunns, founder of British brand Ballinger (and former Vogue senior strategist), which creates statement, demi-fine jewellery that's inspired by vintage family heirlooms and all about jewellery that would last. 'I wasted lots of money over the years on earrings that would tarnish quickly or rings that would turn my fingers green after just a few wears!' she says. 'I'm not even talking about cheap jewellery either, I was buying from expensive brands.' 'Creating Ballinger's first samples involved lots of trial and error. I work with a father-and-son duo based in Istanbul to bring my jewellery designs to life,' explains Nunns. 'The final technique we decided on using is called physical vapour deposition (PVD) which involves vacuum-coating a thick layer of 18 karat gold on top of our base metals. (We use sterling silver and also brass). This technique makes jewellery 10 times stronger than standard gold-plating, so it dramatically enhances its durability. We've even run rigorous tests on Ballinger pieces, such as running them through the dishwasher and soaking them in various substances, such as salt water, and we're yet to find something that has damaged our pieces.' Here's someone with hardy knowledge on how to clean jewellery and craft pieces that last. Before we've even got to breaking down your jewellery cleaning regimen, a precautionary top tip from Nunns is to put your jewellery on after—not before—applying body lotion, perfume, oils, or SPF. 'This will make any type of jewellery easier to clean after wear and generally help to protect it,' she says. What causes your jewellery to get dull and dirty? It's usually going to be soaps, lotions, and body oils that create that cloudy, hazy affect. Also, there's the environment: Pollution, dirt, and dust. Your everyday activities, from swimming to showering, gardening, and just being out in the world can collect grime. Below is your fail-safe guide for how to clean jewellery. @jessica_mccormack 1 / 7 How often should you clean your jewellery? 'Little and often' is Nunns' rule. 'I would recommend wiping down your jewellery a few times a week if you wear it every day,' she says. 'Then, once a month, you can do a deeper clean of your favourite pieces. All you will need is warm water, dish soap, a soft toothbrush, and a cloth.' Nunns advises to stay away from alcohol-based cleaners. 'I would generally steer clear of using alcohol to clean jewellery. It isn't necessary and can damage certain materials. Alcohol can also dry out the natural oils in gemstones causing them to look cracked.' The internet is overrun with varying information, and Nunns also recommends being cautious when it comes to TikTok's DIY cleaning hacks. 'I've seen some slightly worrying ones encouraging you to dip your jewellery into harsh household chemicals which I would not recommend!' she says. @pomellato 2 / 7 How to clean gold and gold-plated jewellery Solid gold is durable and won't tarnish. Gold-plated jewellery—where there's a less expensive metal base coated in a thin layer of gold—can chip. Whatever the case, proceed carefully. Use a mild soap—washing up liquid works just fine, says Nunns—and some warm water. 'Mild soap is crucial as anything too harsh can damage your jewellery, so avoid anything containing bleach or chlorine,' Nunns adds. Add a few drops of the soap to a small, warm water bath and carefully place your jewellery inside. You can let it soak for a few minutes. You can also recruit a soft toothbrush into your arsenal. 'My top tip is to use a baby toothbrush as they have softer bristles,' she says. 'Used wet or dry, a toothbrush can get into crevices in jewellery that a cloth cannot reach.' Give it a final rinse. Then, once your jewellery is fully dry, buff it with a microfibre cloth. Avoid over-cleaning plated pieces. The most important facet of any jewellery cleaning routine, whatever kind you have, is to be gentle —no scrubbing or aggressive rubbing. That's especially true for gold-plated or silver-plated pieces. @agmesnyc 3 / 7 How to clean silver and sterling silver jewellery Silver jewellery does tarnish. The main difference in the approach to looking after silver jewellery, Nunns says, is not so much in how you keep it clean, but in that it needs to be stored properly to reduce the risk of tarnishing. 'Excessive exposure to air, moisture, and sunlight is what causes silver jewellery to tarnish, so always store silver pieces inside a lined jewellery box,' she explains. With her own brand Ballinger, she has created pretty velvet blue gift boxes that come with every order for your jewellery to be safely and chicly stored in. You can also invest in some silver polish or foam—like this one from Goddard's—that helps to remove tarnishing and leaves a protective coating. Be warned, though, this can get a bit messy. You can get some disposable silver polish wipes or keep a cloth just for your polishing to hand. Need a more DIY method for more intensive tarnishing? You can also try mixing three parts baking soda to one part water to create a paste, dampening your silver, and running a cloth with the paste over your jewellery. Rinse then buff. A small smear of toothpaste also works here if you don't have baking soda. Still, Clare Ngai-Howard, founder and creative director of Bonbonwhims (a whimsical, Y2K-inspired, and AAPI-owned jewellery and accessory brand based in New York City, which utilises materials from enamel to resin, metals and freshwater pearls) advises: 'For our sterling silver pieces, I use a silver polishing cloth, as baking soda sometimes can scratch the metal.' @viviennewestwood 4 / 7 How to clean fashion and costume jewellery Costume jewellery or fashion jewellery can fall foul of tarnishing—often, because they're made from less hardy materials like aluminium, brass, or copper. To keep things as tarnish-free and undamaged as possible, you'll once again create your dish soap and warm water solution. But this time, don't think to soak your pieces—doing so could dissolve any gems, glue, or plastics. Instead, take a microfibre cloth and dip it into your soapy water, and run it over your jewellery carefully. Once clean, wipe a clean, soapless cloth over your jewellery, pat it dry, and leave it to air dry on top of a towel. @official_mikimoto 5 / 7 How to clean jewellery with gems, precious stones or pearls 'The safest way to clean your rings at home is with warm water and a mild dish soap—I use Ivory,' Elizabeth Doyle of Doyle & Doyle, an antique jewellery store in New York's Meatpacking District, tells Vogue . For stubborn dirt, soak your rings, bracelets, or stoned necklaces for a while to loosen up the debris. Then, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush. 'Make sure to get behind your stones in the mountings where dirt and grime can accumulate,' says Doyle. Warning though: Cleansers should not be used on any organic gems, like coral or pearls, or porous stones like opals or turquoise: 'The alcohol in the sanitiser can dry out the gems and lead to surface damage or cracking.' Pearls in particular, you should be extra careful with. 'Pearls are incredibly delicate; even washing them in water that is too warm can damage them,' adds Nunns. 'Dish soap can make pearls lose their shine, and anything too acidic or abrasive can permanently scratch or damage pearls. I would recommend washing them in just lukewarm water and once air-dried, use a soft cloth to wipe them.' After daily wear of pieces with gemstones or pearls in them, Nunns would also recommend giving them a quick wipe with a soft cloth a few times a week to remove any oils or perfume build-up from the surface. And if you've sourced some stunning, well-adorned pieces from the Georgian and early Victorian eras, you should also take special care. 'Water can get into rings with closed-back mountings and affect the appearance of the stones,' says Doyle. 'Also, locket rings or any ring that has a photo of some other decoration under glass should not be washed with water.' @vancleefarpels 6 / 7 When should you use a professional service? If you're worried about damaging a particular piece of jewellery–whether that's an antique, a sentimental family heirloom, or a more intricate piece—Nunns recommends seeking professional help. 'A jeweller will be able to make your piece sparkle again,' she says. 'However with your everyday demi-fine jewellery, you shouldn't need to use a professional service if you clean it yourself at home.' Courtesy of Monica Vinader 7 / 7 Keeping your jewellery clean and in top condition These are some must-do habits to incorporate into your everyday routine with your most loved everyday pieces. Always remove your rings when you're washing your hands, showering, cleaning your house, doing your makeup or skincare, putting on perfume, or swimming. Invest in anti-tarnish bags or boxes and keep strict on how you store your jewellery. If ever in doubt, consult your local jeweller on particularly sentimental or of-value pieces to inspect their condition and for any extra advice on keeping them in good shape. This article was originally published on Vogue .com.
Telegraph
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The 12 most memorable summer reads chosen by our writers
As temperatures soar across Europe many are taking shelter with a cool drink and a good book. As Iris Apfel, the American businesswoman and designer once said: 'A good book is the best accessory.' But what are the best reads for your summer? We asked Telegraph writers and readers which books they would recommend for your next holiday or sunny afternoon in the garden. Lucky Jim Somewhat jammily, I grew up in St Ives, Cornwall. I first read Kingsley Amis 's debut novel on the beach there when I was 13 or 14. And again the next summer. And the next, probably. I thought it was the funniest thing ever written. On some level I still do. Admittedly, the setting doesn't scream 'holiday': a provincial university in the 1950s, where our hero Jim Dixon works as a junior lecturer in medieval history. He doesn't love his subject ('The hydrogen bomb... [seemed] a light price to pay for no longer being in the Middle Ages.') He doesn't love his colleagues, reserving his least charitable thoughts for his boss, Professor Welch. He does, conveniently, fall in love with the girlfriend of Welch's preening son (the novel's chief antagonist). The slapstick parts are justly famous: Dixon accidentally setting fire to his bedsheets, pulling faces ('Sex Life in Ancient Rome', 'Evelyn Waugh') and giving a lecture while both drunk and black-eyed. But Lucky Jim is also a portrait of a changing Britain, alive with closely observed social comedy. Amis – who writes about booze, inebriation and hangovers better than anyone – would want you to read it with something cold to hand. Just be careful when you take your sips. Buy the book Five Decembers It used to be that you were allowed to delude yourself into thinking you could tackle a 'proper' book on holiday. Someone rocking up to the lounger with Stalingrad was to be admired rather than heckled. Mercifully, smartphones have put paid to all of that nonsense. Although beach reads still need to be respectable enough not to invite ridicule, today they must compete with the box of delights in your pocket. This means books must be short, interesting and funny; and in that order. Of this year's new fiction, I'd say David Szalay's Flesh and Vincenzo Latronico's Perfection fit the bill. But the only book I have ever had a 100 per cent hit rate with recommending is Five Decembers by James Kestrel, a perfect and bafflingly under-appreciated thriller set in the Second World War. A Certain Idea of France by Julian Jackson Charles de Gaulle changed the course of modern history; Julian Jackson will do the same for how you see historical biography. I once spent a week in Mallorca with a stack of books to hand, and I read just one, day after day: A Certain Idea of France. It was spellbinding, like being shown a vision of someone's soul. Over 900 patient and elegant pages, le Général emerged in all his contradictions. He could be haughty, silent, bombastic, jovial, often downright weird; he was a decolonising conservative, an anti-fascist with authoritarian tendencies. More than two metres tall and oddly proportioned, he dominated most rooms, and made sure of it. Roosevelt despised him; Churchill found him exasperating but unignorable. After de Gaulle, initially a mere brigadier general, escaped to London in 1940, turned against the Vichy regime and declared a 'Free France' – as if he were answering destiny's call – he spent his remaining three decades in tireless combat with not only Nazi Germany, but also America ('rootless'), Britain ('perfidious'), and most everybody else. He left politics soon after the war, but returned to save France in 1958, and his decade of rule made that nation, for better or worse, what it is today. He was never a moderate, nor sought to be. 'How can you govern a country,' he once quipped, 'that has 246 varieties of cheese?' Jackson's book is a masterpiece: it will fill a week by the pool, at least. And if you're a faster reader than that, never fear. You can chase it with his 2023 book France on Trial, a brilliant study of Philippe Pétain – the Maréchal whose surrender de Gaulle refused to obey. To me, William Boyd is a master storyteller, whose books fuse all the attributes of literary fiction – style, characterisation and intellectual rigour – with compelling narratives and what you might call the unputdownable factor. None are more unputdownable than Any Human Heart, a meditation on luck and chance which spans the 20th century, told in one glorious sweep through the personal journals of Logan Mountstuart, whose extraordinarily rich and eventful life sees him crossing paths with Virginia Woolf and Ernest Hemingway, recruited as a spy by Ian Fleming, dining with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and hanging out with Jackson Pollock. I first read it on holiday in Corsica, and in the days spent sightseeing, walking and swimming found myself actively yearning to get back to the villa and the crucial business of finding out what happened next. You couldn't ask for anything more. Bryant and May I use my holidays to completely unwind so I avoid all non-fiction; political books are an absolute no no, and as for royal biographies, forget it. Instead, I usually opt for crime, thrillers and mystery books. I've read all of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series and everything Michael Connelly has ever written featuring Harry Bosch. But during my most recent period of annual leave, I made a new discovery: Bryant & May by Christopher Fowler. Golden Age Detectives in a modern world, Arthur Bryant and John May head the Peculiar Crimes Unit, London's most venerable specialist police team, a division founded during the Second World War to investigate cases that cause national scandal or public unrest. These beautifully written whodunnits have got everything a great holiday page-turner needs: compelling dialogue, plot twists and most importantly: a sense of humour. by Elif Shafak The summer read that comes to mind for me is The Island of Missing Trees, by Elif Shafak. It's stayed with me long after I read it a couple of summers ago, and everyone I've recommended it to has since also lapped it up. Set between a divided Cyprus in the 1970s and London in the 2010s, it follows the clandestine relationship between Kostas, a Greek Cypriot, and Defne, a Turkish Cypriot. Their love, shadowed by the island's conflict, finds an echo decades later as their daughter Ada, living in London, unearths the story of her family's past for a school summer project. It's part love story, part vivid portrait of Cyprus – the island of fig trees and sun-drenched tavernas – yet the novel never shies away from the pain of the civil war (which the book does a good job teaching you about). Some chapters are hard to read; but Shafak's writing is poetic and easy to follow, making for a perfect pool or beach-side page-turner that still has a bit of grit – whether that be in Nicosia or elsewhere. Buy the book Educated by Tara Westover This memoir, published in 2018, is pure escapism. Westover reflects on her childhood growing up in the mountains of Idaho in a deeply religious Mormon family, where she spent much of her time preparing for the world's end. Mental health is at the book's forefront: her brother is often violent and her father is descending into an increasing pit of radicalism. Westover never shies away from the uncomfortable crossover between illness and extreme religion in her parents. Eventually, at 16, she escapes – on a journey that takes her far from Idaho to Cambridge University, where she grapples with the dynamics of family life both in and out of the home. Her experiences both haunt and inform her later decisions and stay with you long afterwards. It's an excellent read to get lost in. H Wilbor, reader Buy the book The Professor by Charlotte Brontë I've just been to a wonderfully peaceful and beautiful Greek island, where I enjoyed my book group's selection of The Professor by Charlotte Brontë – hardly her best-known novel – which follows a love story, mostly set in Brussels. I found it profound, and delicately paced. Jane Dee, Reader Buy the book Mr Einstein's Secretary by Matthew Reilly What a refreshing change to read a well-written novel where fact meets fiction. We all know a little about Einstein but in this historical tale, we have a wonderful picture of his life, his love and his neighbour Hanna. During Hanna's early years, Einstein encourages her inquisitiveness: soon, she only wants to become a brilliant physicist. Because of the war and the loss of her parents (and for her safety), Einstein ships her off to America where she meets successful businessmen, gangsters and leading figures of the Nazi concentration camps. There's also a twin sister, who crops up in the most extreme of situations – at times, one is frightened of what the book's outcome might be. Hanna herself is well characterised by Reilly: I was rooting for her throughout her trials, tribulations and successes. Throughout this novel I felt enlightened and entertained – it's one to fire up all your emotions. Helen Smith, Reader Buy the book The Climb by Chris Froome Chris Froome's book, The Climb, is one of the best sports autobiographies I have ever read, and makes a particularly good summer read. I've since read it twice, and it's spurred on my love for cycling and all things sport. I definitely recommend it for any keen cyclist, gymmer, runner, swimmer or triathlete. Natasha Poole, reader Buy the book
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
'You're only as old as you feel': How Edinburgh's over-50s are defying ageing expectations
As Age Without Limits Day calls for a mindset shift on later life, new data reveals how movement, motivation and meaningful ambition matter more than age itself - and in Edinburgh, where reliance on mobility aids is one of the highest rates in the UK, the call for better support is louder than ever. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As the UK marks Age Without Limits Day on June 11, new findings from Stiltz Homelifts are challenging assumptions about what it means to grow older. While concerns about mobility and independence remain widespread among older adults, the data also tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and the untapped potential of later life. A nationally representative survey of over 1,000 adults aged 50 and above reveals that nearly a quarter already experience mobility issues - a figure that rises sharply to 43% among those aged 70 to 89. One in ten over-65s say they depend on walking aids or mobility scooters, and among those in their 70s and 80s, that proportion more than doubles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, more than70% of respondents said they wanted to stay in their homes for at least the next decade. Yet for around one in four, the fear of declining mobility was enough to raise real concerns about having to move - particularly among those living in multi-storey homes or older properties unsuited to changing physical needs. Couple ready to walk Despite the challenges, campaigners say later life doesn't need to be defined by limitation. 'We need to move away from the narrative that ageing is all about decline,' said Yola Mealing, Head of Brand at Stiltz Homelifts and a trained Mental Health First Aider. 'In reality, it can be a powerful time of growth, creativity and confidence if we allow people the support and space to shape it their way.' Later Life, Limitless Potential To mark Age Without Limits Day, Stiltz is highlighting the lives of five exceptional individuals who redefined what ageing can look like. Each achieved remarkable things in later life providing proof that ambition doesn't come with an expiry date. Family baking together 1. Iris Apfel – The Style Icon Who Made Grey Hair Glam Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A businesswoman turned global fashion muse, Iris Apfel signed her first modelling contract at 97, launched a H&M collection at 100, and inspired a Barbie doll in her image. Often called 'the world's oldest teenager,' she became a cultural icon precisely because she defied every rule about ageing gracefully, instead ageing boldly. 2. Dame Judi Dench – Still Commanding the Spotlight at 89 After decades of stage success, Dench only became a global household name in her 60s, playing 'M' in James Bond. Despite age-related macular degeneration, she continues to act, using audio learning and visual cues. Her message? 'Don't give up. Just keep doing. Keep going.' 3. Sir Ranulph Fiennes – The World's Most Determined Explorer From running seven marathons on seven continents at 59 to summiting Everest at 65, Fiennes has never let age, injury or even heart surgery stop him. At 71, he completed the Marathon des Sables – a 251km ultra-marathon in the Sahara Desert. His ethos: 'There is no age limit on adventure.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 4. James Parkinson – Late-Life Discoverer Who Changed Medicine Forever At 62, Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, identifying the disease that now bears his name. Though unrecognised at the time, his work laid the foundation for modern neurology. Proof that intellectual breakthroughs aren't just for the young but the curious and committed. 5. Karl Lagerfeld – Reinventing Fashion into His 80s Known for his razor-sharp wit and relentless creativity, Lagerfeld was sketching couture collections up until his death at 85. At one point overseeing Chanel, Fendi, and his own label simultaneously, his later years were his most prolific. 'Youth is a state of mind,' he once said. 'These figures remind us that ageing doesn't mean fading into the background,' said Mealing. 'It can be the most expressive, experimental and liberating stage of life if we give people the tools and freedom to shape it on their own terms.' What the Numbers Reveal, and What Needs to Change Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The survey found that 16% of over-50s in Edinburgh rely on mobility aids such as walking frames or scooters – the highest of any city surveyed. It's a statistic that underscores how vital mobility solutions, adaptations and awareness are to help people stay at home and live life on their terms. Concerns about having to leave one's home due to mobility were most pronounced in Scotland and the South West, where nearly a quarter (24%) of older adults voiced anxiety about the future. In Worcester, that figure rose to one in three. Conversely, Coventry emerged as a city with strong self-reported mobility, with 30% of respondents rating their current mobility positively. Meanwhile, a fifth of people in the North East described their mobility as 'average,' suggesting more support may be needed to prevent decline. Mealing said the statistics highlight both the urgency and opportunity for change: 'Mobility is about so much more than stairs. It's about choice, safety, identity and autonomy which are all the things we fight to protect, regardless of age.' Practical Ways to Age Boldly Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stiltz is encouraging older adults and their families not to wait until mobility becomes a barrier before taking action. From proactive health habits to practical home improvements, there are many ways to help safeguard independence and confidence. Adaptations like domestic lifts, grab rails and step-free access can enable people to stay in their homes – but ageing well also depends on less tangible changes. Building movement into daily life, nurturing social connections, staying intellectually curious, and rejecting outdated stereotypes about what older adults 'should' or 'shouldn't' do all play a role. 'The best thing we can do is ask: What brings us joy, energy or purpose?' said Mealing. 'That's the real benchmark for ageing well. It's not about pretending to be in our 20s, instead we can be the best version of ourselves at whatever age we happen to be. Let's seize the day and find wonder in new experiences – whether that's climbing a mountain, learning a new language or just discovering a new piece of music which connects us with today.'
Scotsman
11-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
'You're only as old as you feel': How Scotland's older adults are rewriting the rules of ageing
As Age Without Limits Day calls for a mindset shift on later life, new data reveals how movement, motivation and meaningful ambition matter more than age itself – and in Scotland, where older adults are among the most worried about staying in their homes, that mindset shift feels especially urgent. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... As the UK marks Age Without Limits Day on June 11, new findings from Stiltz Homelifts are challenging assumptions about what it means to grow older. While concerns about mobility and independence remain widespread among older adults, the data also tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and the untapped potential of later life. A nationally representative survey of over 1,000 adults aged 50 and above reveals that nearly a quarter already experience mobility issues - a figure that rises sharply to 43% among those aged 70 to 89. One in ten over-65s say they depend on walking aids or mobility scooters, and among those in their 70s and 80s, that proportion more than doubles. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, more than 70% of respondents said they wanted to stay in their homes for at least the next decade. Yet for around one in four, the fear of declining mobility was enough to raise real concerns about having to move - particularly among those living in multi-storey homes or older properties unsuited to changing physical needs. Couple walking Despite the challenges, campaigners say later life doesn't need to be defined by limitation. 'We need to move away from the narrative that ageing is all about decline,' said Yola Mealing, Head of Brand at Stiltz Homelifts and a trained Mental Health First Aider. 'In reality, it can be a powerful time of growth, creativity and confidence if we allow people the support and space to shape it their way.' Later Life, Limitless Potential To mark Age Without Limits Day, Stiltz is highlighting the lives of five exceptional individuals who redefined what ageing can look like. Each achieved remarkable things in later life providing proof that ambition doesn't come with an expiry date. Family baking together 1. Iris Apfel – The Style Icon Who Made Grey Hair Glam Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A businesswoman turned global fashion muse, Iris Apfel signed her first modelling contract at 97, launched a H&M collection at 100, and inspired a Barbie doll in her image. Often called 'the world's oldest teenager,' she became a cultural icon precisely because she defied every rule about ageing gracefully, instead ageing boldly. 2. Dame Judi Dench – Still Commanding the Spotlight at 89 After decades of stage success, Dench only became a global household name in her 60s, playing 'M' in James Bond. Despite age-related macular degeneration, she continues to act, using audio learning and visual cues. Her message? 'Don't give up. Just keep doing. Keep going.' 3. Sir Ranulph Fiennes – The World's Most Determined Explorer From running seven marathons on seven continents at 59 to summiting Everest at 65, Fiennes has never let age, injury or even heart surgery stop him. At 71, he completed the Marathon des Sables – a 251km ultra-marathon in the Sahara Desert. His ethos: 'There is no age limit on adventure.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 4. James Parkinson – Late-Life Discoverer Who Changed Medicine Forever At 62, Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, identifying the disease that now bears his name. Though unrecognised at the time, his work laid the foundation for modern neurology. Proof that intellectual breakthroughs aren't just for the young but the curious and committed. 5. Karl Lagerfeld – Reinventing Fashion into His 80s Known for his razor-sharp wit and relentless creativity, Lagerfeld was sketching couture collections up until his death at 85. At one point overseeing Chanel, Fendi, and his own label simultaneously, his later years were his most prolific. 'Youth is a state of mind,' he once said. 'These figures remind us that ageing doesn't mean fading into the background,' said Mealing. 'It can be the most expressive, experimental and liberating stage of life if we give people the tools and freedom to shape it on their own terms.' What the Numbers Reveal, and What Needs to Change Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In Edinburgh, 16% of over-50s say they already rely on mobility aids – the highest figure of any city surveyed. Meanwhile, those living in Scotland more broadly were among the most concerned nationally about the future, with nearly a quarter saying they feared declining mobility could force them to leave their homes. Concerns about having to leave one's home due to mobility were most pronounced in Scotland and the South West, where nearly a quarter of older adults voiced anxiety about the future. In Worcester, that figure rose to one in three. Conversely, Coventry emerged as a city with strong self-reported mobility, with 30% of respondents rating their current mobility positively. Meanwhile, a fifth of people in the North East described their mobility as 'average,' suggesting more support may be needed to prevent decline. Mealing said the statistics highlight both the urgency and opportunity for change: 'Mobility is about so much more than stairs. It's about choice, safety, identity and autonomy which are all the things we fight to protect, regardless of age.' Practical Ways to Age Boldly Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Stiltz is encouraging older adults and their families not to wait until mobility becomes a barrier before taking action. From proactive health habits to practical home improvements, there are many ways to help safeguard independence and confidence. Adaptations like domestic lifts, grab rails and step-free access can enable people to stay in their homes – but ageing well also depends on less tangible changes. Building movement into daily life, nurturing social connections, staying intellectually curious, and rejecting outdated stereotypes about what older adults 'should' or 'shouldn't' do all play a role.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
As Christie's preps for Iris Apfel auction, highlights go on display in Palm Beach
An online auction celebrating one of America's legendary style-makers debuted Tuesday, with a selection of items from the sale being showcased this week in Palm Beach. "Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel," presented by Christie's, features over 200 pieces of fashion, accessories and design. Apfel, an iconic style-setter who wore oversized oval glasses, blue eyeshadow, feather boas, and chunky bangles up and down both arms, died in March 2024 at 102. The online auction is open for bidding through Feb. 13, and select pieces from the collection will be on view through Friday at The Colony Hotel, 155 Hammon Ave. "It's a fascinating collection that I think shows all the different facets of Iris Apfel," Nathalie Ferneau, junior specialist for Christie's Private & Iconic Collections, told the Daily News. Fashion highlights from the sale include a feather coat by Dior haute couture, estimated to bring $800 to $1,200; a pink, red and yellow color-block shirtwaist gown by Carolina Herrera, ($800 to $1,200); and a case of 18 multicolored and patterned Iris Apfel X Zenni eyeglass frames ( $400 to $600). The sale also offers decorative art pieces and items from Apfel's homes in Palm Beach and New York, including a carved "Gussy" ostrich-form bar from Italy, circa 1975, estimated to fetch $6,000 to $8,000. A highly regarded collector and specialist in antique textiles, Apfel began her career as a decorator and was instrumental in prestigious restoration projects, including those at the White House. Together with her husband, Carl, she co-founded Old World Weavers, an internationally renowned textile company. The couple later sold the company to Stark Carpets. Carl Apfel died in 2015 at 100. "Iris occupies a really special place in both the fashion world and in popular culture," Ferneau said. "She was effortlessly herself throughout her life, which is something that I think is rare. And I think it's really rare also to have someone enter the limelight at that stage of life. She didn't really become a household name until 2005, and she just continued to gain popularity from there. I think it's really inspiring to see someone be so unapologetically themselves through their life and to really be rewarded for that originality, especially as an older woman." The Colony Hotel is the second of three locations that will showcase select highlights from the Apfel sale. Christie's in the Miami Design District featured pieces from the collection Jan. 24 and 25, and Christie's at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City will display select items Feb. 8-13. Palm Beach was an ideal location to display a portion of the Apfel collection because the market is "critical" for Christie's, said Cathy Busch, deputy chairman for Christie's Americas. "Our most important clients are here, and so we want to be where they are, spending time with them, engaging with them, discussing the art market and having conversations with our team," she said. "As we have in previous years, we're thrilled to bring highlights from sales and bring the best of Christie's to Palm Beach when it applies, like Iris. We are just so happy to be engaging the Palm Beach community supporting cultural institutions and charitable causes." Thirteen lots featuring approximately 45 items are on display at The Colony Hotel, Ferneau said. Admission is free and open to the public. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. To browse or place a bid in the online auction, visit Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at jwagner@ Help support our journalism. Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: See some of Iris Apfel's iconic wardrobe before it goes to auction
