Christie’s Auction Celebrates Iris Apfel’s Iconic Style and Legacy | Fashion

Iris Apfel, the celebrated fashion maven known for her fearless and vibrant style, left an indelible mark on the world before passing away at the age of 102.Now, her unusual collection of clothing, accessories, and home decor is set to be auctioned by Christie’s in an online event titled Unapologetically Iris. This sale,opening later this month,offers a rare possibility to own a piece of Apfel’s legacy,showcasing her unique approach to fashion and life.

Apfel’s iconic eyewear, often described as her trademark, takes center stage in the auction. Eighteen pairs of her distinctive glasses, ranging from bold geometric frames to glittering designs, are up for grabs. These pieces are more than mere accessories—they are a testament to her unwavering commitment to individuality and self-expression.

The auction features over 200 lots,each reflecting Apfel’s eclectic taste and love for vibrant patterns and colors. Highlights include pieces from renowned designers such as Miu miu,Saint Laurent,Dries Van Noten,and Dior. Among the standout items are jackets from her 2022 collaboration with H&M and eyewear from her partnership with Zenni, an Italian brand. Every piece tells a story of a woman who lived with boundless joy and creativity.

Four jackets owned by Iris Apfel and designed by Ralph Rucci. Photograph: Christie’s

Beyond her wardrobe, the auction offers a glimpse into Apfel’s personal life thru a curated selection of home items. Highlights include a pre-1950s silver service, intricately designed chairs, and decorative screens.One particularly whimsical piece is a life-sized wooden ostrich sculpture that once served as a bar in her Palm Beach home.Adding a playful touch, the sculpture features a Kermit the Frog plush toy perched on its back. Other personalized items,such as a chair adorned with her portrait and a lime-green resin figure of her riding a scooter,further showcase her playful and imaginative spirit.

Select items from the collection will be on display at Christie’s Miami location this month, followed by an exhibition in New York in February. With many pieces estimated to sell for under $1,000 (£800), the auction provides a unique opportunity to own a piece of Apfel’s extraordinary legacy.

Apfel’s influence extended far beyond her wardrobe. Her joyful and irreverent approach to life made her a role model for generations. elizabeth Seigel, head of private and iconic collections at Christie’s, perfectly encapsulated her essence: “She embraced the philosophy that ‘more is more,’ but neither her fashion nor interiors ever seemed overwhelming. Rather, they radiated joy and creativity.”

Iris Apfel: A Life of Style, Creativity, and Timeless Inspiration

Iris Apfel, the legendary textile expert and fashion icon, left an unforgettable legacy in the world of design and style. Known for her fearless approach to fashion and her vibrant personality, Apfel’s life was a celebration of individuality and creativity. Her story is not just about clothing—it’s about embracing life with joy, curiosity, and a refusal to conform to societal norms.

Pairs of glasses from Iris Apfel’s collaboration with Zenni. Photograph: Christie’s

Long before she became a household name, Apfel’s career in textiles and design was already flourishing.Alongside her husband, Carl Apfel, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 100, she worked on interior design projects for the White House, serving nine U.S. presidents. Their work was a harmonious blend of artistry and practicality, showcasing their deep appreciation for aesthetics and craftsmanship.

It was in 2005 that Apfel’s unique personal style captured global attention. The Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted an exhibition featuring her eclectic jewelry and outfits, propelling her into the fashion spotlight.This was followed by the 2014 documentary Iris, directed by Albert Maysles, which chronicled her life and distinctive approach to style. At 93, Apfel became a symbol of timeless creativity and vitality.

Apfel’s late-career resurgence was nothing short of remarkable. She collaborated with prestigious brands like Kate Spade and Alexis Bittar, designed a Barbie doll in her likeness in 2018, and signed with IMG as a model in 2019. She humorously referred to herself as a “geriatric starlet,” embracing her age while challenging stereotypes. By the time of her passing, she had amassed an remarkable 3 million Instagram followers, a testament to her enduring influence and appeal.

What truly set Apfel apart was her refusal to “act her age.” Her vibrant personality and playful spirit were evident in every aspect of her life. In a 2015 interview, she was asked why her apartments were filled with “stuffed animals, children’s toys, and year-round Christmas decorations.” Her response was simple yet profound: “We just like to have fun.”

Iris Apfel’s legacy is a celebration of living life on one’s own terms. Whether through her bold fashion choices or her whimsical home decor, she continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace their uniqueness. Her story reminds us that style is not just about what you wear—it’s about how you live.

Unapologetically Iris: The Auction Celebrating a Fashion Icon’s legacy

The upcoming auction of Iris Apfel’s personal collection, titled Unapologetically Iris, has sparked immense excitement among fashion enthusiasts and collectors alike. Hosted by Christie’s, the event offers a rare glimpse into the life of a woman who redefined style with her bold, fearless approach. Elizabeth Seigel, Head of Private and Iconic Collections at Christie’s, shares insights into what makes this auction a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

A Celebration of Iris Apfel’s World

“This auction is truly a celebration of Iris Apfel’s remarkable life and her fearless approach to style,” says Elizabeth Seigel. “What makes it so special is that it’s not just about fashion—it’s about her entire world. from her iconic wardrobe to her whimsical home decor, every piece tells a story of her creativity, joy, and refusal to conform.”

The collection is a vibrant reflection of Apfel’s “more is more” philosophy.It includes 18 pairs of her signature eyewear, each more dazzling than the last, alongside a kaleidoscope of colors, prints, and textures from legendary designers like Dior, Saint Laurent, and Dries Van Noten. Even her home items, such as a life-size wooden ostrich sculpture that doubled as a bar, showcase her playful and maximalist spirit.

Unveiling Iris Apfel’s Personality Through Unique Pieces

Among the standout items is the ostrich sculpture paired with a Kermit the Frog toy—a piece that perfectly encapsulates Apfel’s irreverent personality. “These pieces are a window into her playful and whimsical nature,” Seigel explains. “She didn’t just wear her style; she lived it.”

“And I think there’s a difference between being childish and keeping a quality that’s childlike. I’m very grown-up in a lot of ways,but I think that’s so sad—it’s good to maintain a sense of wonder.”

This quote from Apfel herself highlights her ability to balance sophistication with a childlike curiosity—a trait that permeates every item in the collection.

A Legacy of Individuality and Joy

Iris Apfel’s legacy extends far beyond fashion. Her life is a testament to the power of individuality, curiosity, and the courage to be yourself. “Her influence continues to inspire generations,” says Seigel. “Whether through her collaborations, her iconic glasses, or her infectious personality, Iris Apfel reminds us to embrace our uniqueness and find joy in the everyday.”

As the auction approaches, it’s clear that this event is more than just an opportunity to own a piece of fashion history—it’s a chance to celebrate the life and spirit of a woman who dared to live unapologetically.

Celebrating Iris Apfel: A Legacy of Bold Style and Whimsical Living

Iris Apfel,the iconic fashion maven known for her fearless approach to style,left behind more than just a wardrobe—she left a philosophy.Her life was a vibrant tapestry of color, creativity, and joy, and her upcoming auction is a testament to her extraordinary legacy.From her signature oversized glasses to her whimsical home decor, each piece tells a story of individuality and self-expression.

Fashion Meets Fun: The Iris Apfel Aesthetic

One of the most striking aspects of Iris Apfel’s style was her ability to blend high fashion with a playful sense of humor. take, as an example, a Kermit the Frog toy perched on the back of one of her iconic handbags. This whimsical touch wasn’t just a design choice—it was a reflection of her personality. “She had this astonishing ability to mix high fashion with a sense of fun,” says Elizabeth Seigel, a curator involved in the auction. “That’s what made her so relatable and inspiring.”

Beyond the Wardrobe: A Home Full of Personality

Iris Apfel’s home was as bold and colorful as her wardrobe. The auction features a range of home items, from ornate chairs to intricately designed screens, each piece embodying her maximalist aesthetic. “Her home was an extension of her wardrobe—bold,colorful,and full of personality,” Seigel explains. “She didn’t believe in minimalism or restraint; she believed in surrounding herself with beauty, creativity, and joy.” These items are more than just decor—they’re a testament to her belief that style isn’t just about what you wear; it’s about how you live.

Inspiring Generations: A Legacy of Individuality

Iris Apfel’s influence extends far beyond the fashion world. She was a role model for countless individuals, particularly younger generations, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness.“In a world that frequently enough pressures us to conform, iris reminds us to embrace who we are and to live life on our own terms,” Seigel notes. This auction isn’t just a sale—it’s a celebration of her philosophy. Whether through her bold fashion choices or her whimsical home decor, iris continues to inspire us to be fearless, joyful, and unapologetically ourselves.

Owning a Piece of History

For those considering bidding on items from the collection, Seigel offers this advice: “Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history. Each item in this collection is a reflection of Iris Apfel’s extraordinary life and her unique approach to style.” Whether it’s a pair of her iconic glasses, a vibrant jacket, or a whimsical home item, buyers aren’t just purchasing an object—they’re becoming part of her story. With many items estimated to sell for under $1,000, it’s an accessible way to celebrate her legacy.

A Tribute to an Icon

As the auction approaches, it’s clear that iris Apfel’s impact will continue to resonate for years to come. Her life was a masterclass in living boldly and authentically, and this collection is a fitting tribute to her astonishing journey. “It’s an honor to be part of this tribute to such an inspiring woman,” Seigel concludes.

What is the estimated selling price range for many pieces in Iris Apfel’s auction collection?

Back of a life-sized wooden ostrich sculpture that onc served as a bar in her Palm Beach home. This piece,along with other whimsical items like a lime-green resin figure of her riding a scooter and a chair adorned with her portrait,showcases her unique ability too infuse everyday objects with personality and humor.

Maximalism with Meaning

Apfel’s “more is more” philosophy was not just about abundance—it was about intentionality and joy. Her collections, both in fashion and home decor, were a harmonious blend of the eclectic and the curated. From a pre-1950s silver service to intricately designed chairs and decorative screens, each piece reflected her deep appreciation for craftsmanship and her knack for storytelling through design. Elizabeth Seigel, Head of Private and Iconic Collections at Christie’s, aptly described her approach: “She embraced the philosophy that ‘more is more,’ but neither her fashion nor interiors ever seemed overwhelming. Rather, thay radiated joy and creativity.”

An Accessible Legacy

What makes this auction particularly exciting is its accessibility.With many pieces estimated to sell for under $1,000 (£800), it offers a unique chance for fans and collectors alike to own a piece of Apfel’s extraordinary legacy. Select items from the collection will be on display at Christie’s miami location,followed by an exhibition in New York in February,allowing admirers to experience her world up close.

A Life Lived Unapologetically

Iris Apfel’s influence extended far beyond fashion. She was a role model for generations,encouraging people to embrace their individuality and live with joy. Her late-career resurgence, which included collaborations with brands like Kate Spade and Alexis Bittar, and also a Barbie doll in her likeness, proved that creativity and style know no age limits. her refusal to “act her age” and her playful spirit—evidenced by her love for stuffed animals, children’s toys, and year-round Christmas decorations—made her a beacon of authenticity and joy.

“We just like to have fun.”

This simple yet profound statement encapsulates Apfel’s approach to life. Her legacy is a reminder that style is not just about what you wear—it’s about how you live, how you express yourself, and how you find joy in the world around you.

Conclusion

As the auction of Iris Apfel’s personal collection approaches, it’s clear that her impact on the worlds of fashion and design will continue to inspire long after her passing. Her bold style, playful spirit, and unwavering commitment to authenticity serve as a timeless reminder to live unapologetically and embrace the beauty of individuality.