Iris Apfel’s Legendary Auction: The Chance to Own an Iconic Piece of Fashion History
Exploring My Favorite Treasures From Her Timeless Collection of Bold Fashion and Design
If I live to be 102, I hope I age as gracefully and boldly as Iris Apfel did. For those unfamiliar, Iris was a global style icon, interior designer, and trailblazer in fashion. Known for her signature oversized glasses, fearless approach to color, and love of vintage, she spent decades championing individuality and living unapologetically.
I'll admit, when Iris passed in 2024, I felt the loss deeply—much like when Bill Cunningham died. Both were irreplaceable sources of inspiration for my wardrobe. I’d eagerly await Bill’s 'on the street' images in the Sunday Times, hoping he’d capture me one day, convinced my individuality would align with the trend he was showcasing. Iris, too, embodied a fearless self-expression that I admired. Every time she left the house, her outfits were a testament to the power of owning one’s style. Together, they taught me to embrace my uniqueness and wear it proudly.
I always thought that when Iris died, her wardrobe would land in a museum, but when I heard that Christie’s was auctioning off over 200 items from her collection, a rush of excitement ran through me. Starting January 28th at 10:00 AM through February 13th, we should all set our alarms, place our bets, and bid to own a piece of history from THE woman who didn’t just follow trends, but rewrote the rules entirely.
Do I need anything from the auction? Absolutely not. My New York City apartment barely has room for what I already own. But do I want everything? Of course. It’s thrilling to imagine an unlimited budget, sprawling closets to fill, a palace to furnish, and owning pieces that carry Iris’s unmistakable spirit.
Eyewear as an Identity
For Iris, eyewear is not just functional; it’s a signature. Her enormous, round frames aren’t just accessories—they’re declarations. They’ve become as much a part of her identity as her vibrant prints and layers of jewelry.
This resonates deeply with me. I’ve refused to switch to contacts because my glasses are part of my persona. They’re featured in my Gmail signature and the logo for my Substack. Plus, in my humble opinion, the bigger the frame, the better off you are in all aspects of life. Eyewear is where utility meets style—and for Iris and me, it’s an irreplaceable personal statement.
At the auction, I think her eyewear collection (lot 1 and lot 48) is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated categories. Frames adorned with jewels, bright colors, and unique shapes that elevate “seeing” to an art form. If you want to channel Iris, consider eyewear as the opportunity to express your personality boldly.
Textured Statements
A recurring theme in Iris’ legendary collection is textured statements and her love for feathered outwear is the perfect example. From voluminous feathered jackets to intricately embellished capes, she used texture not just as an accent but as a defining element of her style. These pieces are works of art that command attention.
Thinking about her bold textured outwear always reminds me of my girlfriend Elana who has a similar joie de vivre when it comes to fashion. She loves shopping for caftans, despite living in New York City and not the the Caribbean or the south of France. She invisions wearing them hosting brunchs at her apartment, and the thought always makes me laugh. But why not? We should all embrace the joy of shopping for the “what if” and Iris’ outerwear is the perfect excuse.
In the Christie’s auction, her feathered creations are iconic pieces of her adventurous spirit. If you want to channel Iris, consider exploring these pieces that speak loudly and make a bold statement when entering any room. As a New Yorker, I went for the standout visions in black, but there are a multitiude of others if you are feeling bolder and want more explosions of color.
Treasures Beyond the Closet
I’d be remiss if we didn’t talk about Iris’ love for interiors—a passion as vibrant as her wardrobe. Before becoming a global style icon, she made her mark as an interior designer and co-founded Old World Weavers with her husband, Carl, in 1950. The company specialized in recreating luxurious historical textiles and gained acclaim for its impeccable craftsmanship. Their work was so renowned that the Apfels were tapped to consult on design projects for nine U.S. presidents, leaving their imprint on the interiors of the White House.
Her eye for interiors undoubtedly influenced her approach to fashion resulting in pieces that feel like works of art worthy of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The auction showcases an eclectic mix of Iris’s home decor, from Maltese dog paintings to elephant trinkets and vintage birdcages, highlighting her unmatched eye for detail that extended far beyond the closet and into every corner of her home.
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Iris Apfel’s influence on fashion and design remains unmatched. Her auction at Christie’s is a testament to a life well lived with purpose and an abundance of personality. For those bidding, good luck and godspeed. Cheers to the opportunity to capture a piece of a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Are you planning on bidding on anything? Glasses frames perhaps?