Uan interior designer? A collector? No, Iris Apfel she was much more: she was a living legend who has transformed the style into a declaration of independence. Almost a year after his passing, Christie’s celebrates it with the auction Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfelscheduled from January 28th to February 13th. Over 200 lots between clothes, accessories and furniture they offer a glimpse of the unique universe of this icon. Each piece, from haute couture to design objects, tells of a life lived in the name of creativity and passion for beauty. It’s not just a sale: it’s a tribute to the courage to be authentic.
Iris Apfel, the triumph of “more is more”
Iris Apfel’s philosophy was simple but revolutionary: «More is more». He loved mixing seemingly irreconcilable elements, creating combinations that challenged the rules of fashion. Come on turquoise jewelery to Carolina Herrera suitseverything in the collection reflects this bold aesthetic. The auction also includes items from collaboration with H&M in 2022a symbol of his ability to make the most eclectic style accessible. “We had fun recreating the looks from the 2018 Barbie-Mattel collaboration, which we sell with matching dolls,” she said Elizabeth Seigel of Christie’sunderlining Iris’s playful and visionary character.
From glasses to bracelets, cult pieces
Among the most emblematic lots stand out the oversized glassesthe true distinctive trait of Iris. The collection includes 18 frames, with an estimate of between $400 and $600. There is no shortage of rigid banglesworn by her in a riot of colours, and couture pieces designed by fashion houses such as Dior and Saint Laurent. Each accessory is a fragment of the personality of Iris Apfel, who has always maintained: “You either have style or you don’t.”
The eccentric objects from Iris Apfel’s collection
Iris Apfel’s taste didn’t stop at fashion. As co-founder of Old World Weavers, she traveled the world sourcing fine fabrics. This love for interior design is evident in the furniture at auction: a ostrich-shaped bara chair with his portrait and unique objects, such as a highly decorated screen. Each piece is a testimony of its own eclectic spirit and its ability to transform every space into a work of art.
An auction… accessible
The auction is not limited to offering luxury garments and accessories, but offers a journey into the designer’s life, made up of bold choices and precious memories. Among the most curious pieces stand out a lime green resin figurine which depicts her on a scooter, a multicolor feather coat of Dior Haute Couture and a silver service from the 1950s. The starting prices are accessible, with many lots under one thousand dollars, but the magic of the auctions could reserve surprises. The total value of the collection is estimated around 250 thousand dollars and will be donated to a charity, continuing Iris Apfel’s commitment to leaving a positive mark on the world.
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