Iris Apfel writes it all down

Flamboyant fashionista to hold book signing.

As an interior designer, Iris Apfel had a client list that included Greta Garbo, Marjorie Merriweather Post, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Estee Lauder. But that is not what she is known for. Apfel is famous for being fabulous, or to be more accurate, dressing fabulously.

The 96-year-old Apfel, who splits her time between Palm Beach and Manhattan, is a self-made glamazon and enthusiastic fashionphile. Her wardrobe is compiled from shopping in everything from designer ateliers to flea markets during her international travels and is so eye-popping that it got a 2005 exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which in 2007 sent the show to West Palm Beach’s Norton Museum of Art.

Apfel has a new book out titled “Accidental Icon — Musings of a Geriatric Starlet.” She will hold a book signing 2-5 p.m. Wednesday at the J. Nelson showroom, 2866 Pershing St., in Hollywood (in the South Florida Design Park). For more information, call 954-929-8880.

Here are excerpts from a recent phone interview with Apfel.

How did this book come about?

I had been badgered since I did the first book, oh my, 11 years ago. It was a great success. People wanted me to do another book, but I didn’t want to do another coffee table. And memoirs — I didn’t want to do that. How-to books I find revolting. I don’t think anyone should tell you what to do. How can you tell someone about style if you don’t know who you are talking to?

I know you go back and forth between your apartment on Park Avenue in New York and your apartment in Palm Beach. So what do you love about South Florida?

I have wonderful friends here. That is paramount. I have a beautiful apartment on the lakes. I love the view. It’s very restful and relaxing. It’s the complete antithesis of New York. I like New York, but I like this, too.

You once said, “To stay young, think young.” What did you mean by that?

You have to be with young people and enjoy some of their activities and partake a little bit of what they do so you can be with it. You just can’t talk about it.

You also said you never expected to write a book. In fact, you never expect anything. Is that true?

I very rarely do. It’s much better that way. And then, if it happens, it’s lovely, and you’re not disappointed if it doesn’t. It’s not so much I don’t expect things. I don’t plan things. I never had a business plan. Things just happen, and I go with the flow.

HARLEY LANGBERG/COURTESY Iris Apfel will hold a signing for her new book Wednesday at the J. Nelson showroom in Hollywood.