Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel showcases one of America’s most iconic style-setters, and her legendary flair for fashion, accessories and interior design …
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The late fashion icon Iris Apfel described herself as a “geriatric starlet” and lived and dressed according to her mantra: “More is more and less is a bore.”
Her inspiring aesthetic combined colours, textures, and patterns which redefined traditional notions of fashion, design and, most importantly, that of dressing appropriately for your age. “If you’re lucky enough to get old, you should celebrate it. I’m the world’s oldest teenager,” she once said.
In the mid ’80s, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art showed her wardrobe in its exhibition “Rara Avid (Rare Bird): The Irreverent Iris Apfel” which catapulted her to global fame.
A Case of Eighteen Glasses from Iris’ collaboration with the brand Zenni.
Right up until her death at the age of 102, Iris was an undeniable trendsetter. Her style signifiers were her oversized oval glasses, blue eyeshadow, feather boas, arms adorned with chunky bangles and red lipstick (she collaborated on beauty and make-up collections for MAC and Ciate London).
A pink, red and yellow colour block skirt gown by Carolina Herrera.
Before it became trendy, she mixed high and low fashion, effortlessly blending couture with flea market discoveries. Such was her appeal that she starred in advertising campaigns for jewellery designer Alexis Bittar, created a capsule collection for H&M, Dr Scholl and with Ruggable for a collection of rugs. Mattel even created a Barbie doll of her, which is one of the lots in an upcoming online auction presented by Christies.
SEE MORE: Who Is Iris Apfel? The Story Behind The Maximalist Fashion Star
Unapologetically Iris features over 200 pieces of fashion, accessories and design from her collection. The sale is a rare opportunity for fashion enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of completely unique clothing items and accessories spanning eras, including ready-to-wear pieces and couture garments from the 1950s to the present. Highlights include a Dior Haute Couture Feather Coat (estimate $800-1,200), Carolina Herrera Block Shirt Gown (estimate: $800-1,200) and the aforementioned Case of Eighteen Multicolour and Pattern Iris Apfel X Zenni Eyeglass Frames (estimate: $400-600).
As a distinguished collector and expert in antique textiles, Iris began her career as a decorator and during her life consulted on prestigious restoration projects, including at the White House. Together with her husband, Carl, she co-founded Old World Weavers, an internationally renowned textile company. The auction sale reflects her passion for interior design, and features decorative art pieces and items from her homes in New York City and Palm Beach.
The online auction Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel opens for bidding on January 28 to February 13. Some pieces from the auction will be on view at the Miami Design District, Florida on January 24 and at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach from January 29-31. They will also be on view at Christie’s New York from February 8-12. Here are some other favourites that will be snapped up:
Ten Pairs of Eyewear
These include sunglasses by various designers including Christian Dior and Emilio Pucci, or from collaborations: eyebobs X Iris Apfel, Iris Apfel X Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche sunglasses and one pair of black Rara Avis by Iris Apfel reading glasses with +2.50 magnification. The estimate is $200 to $300.
Figurine of Iris Apfel made by Window France. Estimate: $500 to $800.
Haute Couture Dior feather coat. Estimate $800 to $1,200.
After Carl Reichert. Estimate $500 to $800.
Barbie ensemble with the Mattel doll in the same outfit. Estimate $400 to $500.
Carved ostrich-form bar “Gussy” with Kermit the Frog. Made in Italy c1975. Estimate $6,000 to $8,000.
Two ruffled flounced short jackets from Iris Apfel X H&M. Estimate $700 to $800.
MORE FASHION AUCTIONS OF NOTE:
KARL, Karl Lagerfeld’s Estate V, Le Studio from January 31; www.sothebys.com.
Martin Margiela, the Early Years: 1988-94, from January 27; www.kerrytaylorauctions.com.
SEE MORE: Moodboard – Unapologetic