If you’ve heard these words while playing the guessing game, you would immediately know who this person is: oversize, circle eyewear, bright clothes, and stacks of bangles. It is a recognized image of Iris Apfel, American entrepreneur, influencer, interior designer, and actress. She had her first contract with an international modelling agency at 97, and launched her first beauty campaign at 101.
Iris Apfel clothes and accessories were means to message her fearless and extraordinary personality. The visionaire and innovator had a special feeling toward jewelry and considered it the most transformative part of anyone’s wardrobe. She started her collection at the age of 11 and expanded it throughout the years.
To celebrate Iris Apfel’s distinctive style and life that inspired many people, Christie’s presented a virtual auction titled Unapologetically Iris: The Personal Collection of Iris Apfel. Name itself says it all, a woman who thought outside the box and was confident in her fashion and life decisions. The event, available for bidding from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13, will offer a curated assortment of the legend’s designer apparel, jewelry, decorative items, and art pieces.
Apfel, who was born in Queens, New York, began her career as a writer for a fashion magazine but soon started working as an interior designer. But this lady had so much more to give to the world; she had endless creativity and strength which she directed into founding a textile company that reproduced antique fabrics and crafted custom textiles for prestigious clients. Together with her husband, Carl, Iris co-founded Old World Weavers. Apfel’s creativity and unique style were not limited to interiors; she considered fashion a canvas for expressing herself and easily combined diverse textures, bold colors, and striking patterns to create stunning outfits. She definitely was a trendsetter, which made some people admire her, while others struggled to understand her unique vision.
Her eclectic wardrobe, which often featured stacks of bangles, statement necklaces, and oversized cocktail rings, reflected her fearless embrace of maximalism. Nearly 40 accessories lots will be among the auctioned items, offering fans and collectors an opportunity to own a part of her legendary style.
In 2005, the Metropolitan Museum of Art launched an exhibition showcasing her extensive collection of clothing and accessories, proving her status as a global style legend. She had a talent of styling thrift-store bracelets and necklaces so they looked luxury and it inspired a generation of designers and fashion enthusiasts. No one before or since has worn jewelry like Iris Apfel did.
Christie’s auction offers a rare glimpse into the life and legacy of Iris Apfel, giving admirers a chance to celebrate her vibrant and creative spirit. Each item tells a story of her interesting life, making this auction as much a tribute as it is an opportunity to preserve a piece of fashion history. Some highlights from the collection will be displayed in Florida in January and in NY in February.



A limited-edition satin skirt by Alice + Olivia that features an embroidered, beaded and sequined portrait of Iris Apfel, estimate $ 600 – $ 800. Photo from Christie’s site.

Mixed set of B&W bangles and neckpieces by Monies, Gerard Yosca, and others, estimate $ 500 – $ 800. Photo from Christie’s site.

Eighteen pairs of glasses created by Iris Apfel in collaboration with Zenni Optical, estimate $ 400 – $ 600. Photo from Christie’s site.





Life-sized, carved from bleached wood, ostrich-shaped bar, created exclusively by a wood carver in Italy, estimate $ 6,000 – $ 8,000. Photo from Christie’s site.