Palm Beach Atlantic University honors the memory of Iris Apfel and Sydell L. Miller, who recently passed away. They were inducted into PBA’s Women of Distinction Hall of Fame. The following is a statement from Frances Fisher, Chair of the Women of Distinction Committee.
Dear Friend,
The grey skies here in Palm Beach over the weekend matched my mood as I spent time mourning the loss of two of our Women of Distinction Hall of Fame honorees—Iris Apfel and Sydell L. Miller. Both women made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Iris Apfel, who passed away on March 1 at the age of 102, was honored in 2010 for her impact on the fashion and design industries and the lives of others. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Sydell L. Miller, honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2008, co-founded the Matrix Essentials hair-and-beauty empire and was a notable philanthropist. She died at her home in Cleveland on February 25 at 86.
Both women made exceptional contributions in their respective fields. Iris Apfel, who passed away on March 1 at the age of 102, was honored in 2010 for her impact on the fashion and design industries and the lives of others. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Sydell L. Miller, honored as a Woman of Distinction in 2008, co-founded the Matrix Essentials hair-and-beauty empire and was a notable philanthropist. She died at her home in Cleveland on February 25 at 86.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we remember and honor the extraordinary lives of Sydell and Iris. They achieved immense success in their careers and used their platforms for philanthropy and leadership, inspiring countless women to pursue their passions with courage and determination.
Iris Apfel
Iris had an extraordinary life marked by remarkable achievements and contributions. She was a successful businesswoman, interior designer, fashion icon, and actress with a unique style and outspoken personality that captivated people’s hearts all over the world. Her partnership with her husband, Carl, in their textiles business, was particularly notable. It included a contract with the White House that spanned nine different presidencies. Her incredible impact and influence are undeniable.
Iris continued to set new boundaries even in retirement. In 2005, she drew acclaim for her exhibition at the Costume Institute in The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition showcased her exceptional collection of costume jewelry and clothes. Her status as a fashion icon was further cemented by the Albert Maysles documentary “Iris.” At the age of 97, she signed with IMG as a model. The Guardian recognized her as one of the “Best-Dressed over 50.” She has received numerous awards, including the Women Together Special Award of the Year and the Women’s Entrepreneurship Day Pioneer Award, and she was an honoree at The New Jewish Home’s Eight over Eighty Gala. All these reflect her extraordinary contributions to the fashion industry and beyond. On a personal note, I will always treasure the warm and intentional way Iris welcomed me into the Palm Beach community as a young woman, looking to make a difference.
Sydell L. Miller
Sydell, alongside her late husband Arnold, transformed the professional hair-care industry, creating the country’s largest manufacturer of professional hair and beauty products. After his passing in 1992, she more than doubled the company’s sales before selling the business to Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1994. She remained chairman of the board until retiring in 1996.
Sydell was the founder and director of the Sydell and Arnold Miller Foundation. Her philanthropic efforts, particularly in health care and the arts, have left a lasting impact on communities in both Ohio and Florida. Here in South Florida, she will be remembered for her support of the Cleveland Clinic, particularly for her commitment to advancing medical research and patient care in the area of cardiovascular health. She was also involved in the establishment of a satellite facility of the Cleveland Clinic in West Palm Beach.
Sydell’s generosity knew no bounds, with the Sydell & Arnold Miller Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at the Hawken School standing as a testament to her belief in nurturing young minds towards innovative and entrepreneurial excellence. In addition, Sydell’s philanthropic efforts enriched organizations such as the American Cancer Society of Palm Beach, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, the Norton Museum of Art, and the Palm Beach Civic Association.
Sydell and Iris’s association with Palm Beach Atlantic University, particularly their recognition as Women of Distinction, has been a matter of immense pride and motivation for our community. Their exceptional commitment to excellence and steadfast devotion to improving the world will always be remembered. Iris Apfel, with her unparalleled style and zest for life, and Sydell L. Miller, with her visionary entrepreneurship and commitment to philanthropy, exemplified what it means to lead with integrity and create impact.
As we mourn their loss, let us celebrate their remarkable lives and the countless ways in which both enriched our community and the world around them. Let’s also take a moment to look inwardly and ask ourselves what we can do to positively impact the generations coming after us, to serve as encouraging role models as Iris and Sydell have been for us.
Frances Fisher
Chair, Women of Distinction Committee
