31/01/2025
Lifestyle
The highly anticipated auction, “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel,” has come to a close, drawing fashion enthusiasts, collectors, and admirers of the late style icon to bid on a remarkable selection of her personal treasures. Hosted by Christie’s, the auction featured over 200 lots of Apfel’s signature pieces, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of her vibrant world.
Among the standout items were her iconic oversized, round glasses, a staple of her inimitable look, as well as bold, statement jewelry, including her famous chunky necklaces and stacked bangles. Fashion lovers had the opportunity to acquire couture garments from Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Geoffrey Beene, as well as one-of-a-kind pieces like a feather coat by Dior and a painted travel case monogrammed with her name. The auction also showcased unique home décor, such as a lifesize wooden ostrich bar—specially commissioned by Apfel—which doubled as a hidden bar. Other whimsical items included a Louis XVI-style chaise reupholstered with her own portrait and a stuffed Kermit the Frog perched atop a wooden ostrich sculpture, reflecting her playful spirit.
Born in 1921 in Astoria, Queens, Iris Apfel was more than a fashion icon—she was a businesswoman, interior designer, textile entrepreneur, and model, proving that style knows no age. She studied art history at New York University and attended art school at the University of Wisconsin before working for Women’s Wear Daily and interior designer Elinor Johnson. In 1950, she co-founded Old World Weavers with her husband, Carl, a textile company specializing in reproducing antique fabrics. Their business was highly respected, with contracts that even included the White House.
Their extensive travels influenced Apfel’s now-legendary personal style. A student of craftsmanship and history, she had a talent for blending old and new, ornate and simple, high fashion and flea market finds. Her maximalist aesthetic, anchored by her signature oversized glasses, embraced bold patterns, copious accessories, and fearless color choices. She was particularly known for her extravagant costume jewelry collection, which she layered in dramatic, eye-catching combinations.
Apfel’s unique style first gained mainstream recognition in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute staged an exhibition of her wardrobe, titled “Rara Avis” (Rare Bird). The exhibit featured over 300 accessories and 82 ensembles, marking the first time the Costume Institute showcased a living person who was not a fashion designer. Following the exhibition’s success, Apfel collaborated with brands such as MAC Cosmetics, Swarovski, and H&M, bringing her distinctive style to a wider audience.
Her influence continued to grow, and in 2014, she became the subject of Albert Maysles’ documentary “Iris”, offering a candid glimpse into her life and creative vision. Even in her later years, she remained a force in fashion. She modeled for Vogue in 2018, signed with IMG Models at the age of 97, and in 2019, Mattel honored her with an Iris Apfel Barbie doll.
She was a firm believer that fashion should be fun, personal, and a true reflection of one’s personality. Her clothes and interiors alike showcased her love for pairing the unexpected, always with a sense of humor and a touch of whimsy.
For those who missed this extraordinary sale, Christie’s will continue to offer unique auctions featuring legendary figures from the worlds of fashion, art, and design. Upcoming events promise more opportunities to acquire rare and iconic pieces that celebrate creativity and bold self-expression.
Stay tuned for Christie’s next major auction announcements, where history and style come together once more.
Photos: Courtesy of Christie’s – partner of Unique Estates I Christie’s International Real Estate
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