Christie’s is set to host an online auction featuring the personal collection of the late fashion icon Iris Apfel. The sale, titled “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel,” will include her signature colorful bangles, statement necklaces, turquoise jewels, and, of course, her iconic oversized eyeglasses. Bidding will run from January 28 to February 13.
The auction will showcase a wide range of items, from designer clothing and jewelry to tableware, furniture, and artwork. Apfel, who passed away in March 2023 at the age of 102, was celebrated for her bold, maximalist style and her fearless approach to fashion. The BBC once called her “the matriarch of maximalism,” a title that perfectly captured her love for vibrant, eclectic accessories.
Born in Queens, New York, Apfel developed a lifelong passion for style and collecting. She worked as an interior designer and co-founded Old World Weavers, a textile company, with her husband, Carl. The company specialized in reproducing antique fabrics for high-profile clients, including the White House.
Apfel’s unique fashion sense often included stacks of bangles, eye-catching necklaces, and oversized cocktail rings. She was known for mixing colors, patterns, and textures, effortlessly blending high-end and affordable pieces. Her status as a fashion icon was cemented in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York hosted an exhibition featuring her extensive collection of clothing and accessories.
For Apfel, jewelry was more than just decoration—it was a reflection of her bold and individual personality. The Christie’s auction will feature several lots of her jewelry, including multiple bangles (many made of lucite), necklaces, and other standout pieces.
This sale offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of fashion history from one of the most influential style icons of the 21st century.
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