Over 200 Pieces from Iris Apfel’s Collection Up for Auction at Christie’s
Christie’s is set to honor the legacy of the late Iris Apfel with a unique auction showcasing over 200 pieces from the personal collection of the legendary interior designer and style icon. Known for her unapologetic embrace of color, texture, and eccentricity, Apfel’s collection captures her signature maximalist aesthetic that never felt weighed down or overdone. The auction, titled Unapologetically Iris: The Personal Collection of Iris Apfel, will run online from January 28 to February 13, with an expected revenue of over $250,000 to benefit a charitable trust.
Among the standout items in the collection are vibrant turquoise jewelry, a Carolina Herrera outfit in bold hues, and 18 pairs of eyeglasses—all uniquely designed and notably devoid of standard black frames. Quirky items include a lime-green figurine of Apfel on a scooter and a carved ostrich-shaped bar, which is anticipated to fetch between $6,000 and $8,000. The collection spans decades, from flea-market treasures and her collaboration with H&M to haute couture pieces, such as a feathered Dior coat.
Elizabeth Seigel, head of private and iconic collections at Christie’s, describes the collection as a joyful celebration of Apfel’s inimitable approach to style. “She embraced the philosophy that ‘more is more,’ yet her fashion and interiors always exuded lightness and playfulness,” said Siegel. Apfel’s ability to weave humor and individuality into her wardrobe and home décor made her a singular figure in both fashion and design.
The auction also features items that highlight Apfel’s impact on contemporary culture, including pieces from her 2018 collaboration with Barbie Mattel, which will be sold alongside the matching dolls, and optical frames from her Iris Apfel X Zenni collection. Fashion enthusiasts will find accessories spanning from the 1950s to the present day, alongside decorative pieces such as artwork, chairs, and an eye-catching striped suitcase adorned with pink dots.
In a nod to Apfel’s career as a pioneer in antique textiles, the collection reflects her decades-long influence on the worlds of design and fashion. She co-founded the textile firm Old World Weavers in 1950 with her late husband Carl, cementing her role as a tastemaker. Over the years, Apfel became a muse for brands such as Kate Spade, MAC Cosmetics, and Le Bon Marché, and in her later years, emerged as a global influencer and ambassador for self-expression.
Apfel’s vibrant spirit continues to inspire, even posthumously. Her signature oversize glasses, cropped gray hair, and bold red lipstick remain iconic, while recent tributes, such as Dr. Scholl’s limited-edition collection featuring her archival prints, keep her legacy alive. “Iris changed the way the world thought about fashion simply by existing in the space as an older woman,” noted Siegel.
The auction items will be on public display at Christie’s locations in Miami, Palm Beach, and New York from January 24 to February 12, offering fans and collectors a chance to connect with Apfel’s extraordinary vision. Reflecting on her enduring legacy, Siegel recalled Apfel’s advice: “The worst fashion faux pas is looking in the mirror and seeing somebody else.” With her unapologetically authentic style, Iris Apfel remains a beacon of individuality and creativity.