- Iris Apfel, Interior Designer + Fashion Icon

Born and raised in Silicon Valley, my early exposure to technology shaped my surroundings. However, my true love has always been in the arts, particularly fashion and beauty.

I vividly recall the moment a brand captivated me as a child. At the Estée Lauder counter with my mother, my eyes fixated on a glittery, light pink nail polish bottle. It felt destined to be mine, and I cherished its empty remnants as a reminder of the spark that resonated within me.

As a young adult during my time at the University of San Francisco, I immersed myself in diverse subcultures, especially on the iconic streets of Haight-Ashbury. I graduated with credentials in English and Psychology and from there, my career journey began, seizing opportunities in financial services, investments, and accounting while yearning to return to my creative center.

Thankfully fate intervened, leading me to transition into Merchandising at fashion-tech retailer Stitch Fix. When the global pandemic hit in 2020, it rekindled my thirst for knowledge and pushed me to become a student once more, pursuing my master’s degree at Parsons School of Design while also studying in Paris at Parsons Paris and assisting at the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Inspired by Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, and the sage advice in his memoir called Shoe Dog, I continuously seek a calling rather than settling for a job. In doing so, I currently hold the position of Shopping Program Manager at Pinterest, where I oversee fashion content pertaining to shopping initiatives and brand quality improvements. I am passionate about bridging the gap between product, digital innovation, and consumer desires.

More than the titles and experiences, what continues to drive me is the belief that fashion is more than just clothing. It is culture, identity, and connection. I see my role as a bridge builder: connecting consumers to products that inspire confidence, connecting students and professionals to opportunities in the industry, and connecting creativity with technology to shape a more inclusive and imaginative future. Whether through content, community, or innovation, I strive to leave behind a legacy of opening doors for others and redefining what it means to belong in fashion.

Together, let's explore the limitless possibilities at the intersection of fashion, technology, and consumer engagement.