Style Icon Iris Apfel’s Personal Collection Heads to Auction

The showcase will feature over 200 pieces of fashion, accessories, and design

January 9, 2025

A Dior Haute Couture feather coat. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's

Fashion lovers and art collectors will soon have the chance to bid on items once owned by Iris Apfel, one of America’s most iconic style-makers. Presented by Christie’s, the Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel showcase features over 200 pieces of fashion, accessories, and design and will be open for online bidding from January 28 to February 13.

Apfel, who died last year at age 102, was known for her distinctive style, which can be described as an eclectic mix of high and low fashion. She often paired couture with flea market finds, making her one-of-a-kind looks truly unique. The pieces up for auction include ready-to-wear items and couture garments from the 1950s through the present day. Highlights include a Dior Haute Couture feather coat, a pink, red, and yellow color block shirt gown by Carolina Herrera, and a case of 18 multicolor and pattern Iris Apfel x Zenni eyeglass frames.

A pink, red, and yellow color block shirt gown by Carolina Herrera. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's

A gray and white "Barbie" ensemble. Photo: Courtesy of Christie's

In addition to her everlasting impact on the fashion world, Apfel, co-founder of internationally renowned textile company Old World Weavers, made immeasurable contributions to the design industry. Included in the sale are pieces honoring her passion for interior design, including a Carved Ostrich-Form Bar ‘Gussy’ Italy, circa 1975. Also available is a cast-resin lime green figure of Iris Apfel riding on a scooter, and a pair of Louis XVI-style cream-painted chaises.

Select pieces will be on view in Florida at Christie’s Miami from January 24-25 and Palm Beach at The Colony Hotel from January 29-31. The full collection will be on view at Christie’s New York from February 8-13.

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