On Travel
'When I set foot on European soil in the very early 1950s it changed my life forever. I adore the architecture in London and Paris; the design of the buildings is so sophisticated. As an interior decorator I travelled across the world, from Italy to Pakistan, always sourcing one-of-a-kind pieces at bazaars and flea markets. I'm a flea-market freak. I like sifting through boxes in vintage stores to find extraordinary things. Although you do have to be careful what you are buying; just because something is vintage does not make it wonderful. As you can probably tell, I'm no minimalist. My dream journey would be a segue from souk to souk from North Africa to the Middle East.'
On Hotels
'A lot of places are anonymous these days, all too similar. I like properties with character, especially when it comes to design. A hotel needs to be individual and true to its location. Personalised service is key. I don't like being bothered by lots of staff but will always remember a butler or doorman who recalls my quirks. The little details are what makes a stay memorable. In New York The Carlyle is an institution and has incredible style, so in tune with the city itself. I love hotel rooms for their views. Seeing the lights of Manhattan come on from The Carlyle or watching West Palm Beach sparkle from Eau Palm Beach hotel, nothing can top that.'
On Shopping
'I don't believe in rules when it comes to fashion and I like mixing offbeat things from different periods and places. A piece needs to jump out and say something, be it clothing or furniture. I am loyal to Duro Olowu and Dries Van Noten, and I love Ralph Rucci. I think he is a genius and a true couturier. I am constantly on a quest for beautiful things. I don't think I'll ever stop searching or collecting.'
On a shop to watch
Ines de la Fressange, Paris
'We won't follow the fashion calendar,' says the incredibly fashionable Inès de la Fressange about her namesake store or, as she describes it, a concept-souk and luxe-bazaar. As muse to Karl Lagerfeld, a model, perfumer and designer in her own right, de la Fressange is an authority on what does and doesn't sell, and she believes the internet has destroyed the experience of shopping. The boutique on the Left Bank showcases her unique and eclectic sense of Parisian style. Bed linen and bicycles, copper boxes and candy-coloured cashmere fill the different rooms, as if it were her house, and sit alongside her own-label clothing and accessories. www.inesdelafressange.fr
On Exhibitions
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'Nothing beats the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. You can discover something new on every visit. My advice is to spend the whole day there: arrive early and leave late. My most memorable exhibition was the display of my own jewellery and accessories at the museum's Costume Institute in 2005. It didn't start out as a fashion show. When Harold Koda, the curator, first contacted me he was only supposed to choose five outfits, but they ended up with 82. It was insanity. The show was a huge smash.'
On Restaurants
'I love Italian food, and Antonucci Café and Primola in Manhattan are two of my favourite places. But La Grenouille in Midtown is the grandaddy of all restaurants. I love the ambience - it's marvellously old-world. Everyone looks good at La Grenouille.'
Iris Apfel is a Rosewood Hotels curator. 'Iris', a film by Albert Maysles, is out now. Watch the trailer below.
This feature first appeared in Condé Nast Traveller September 2015
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