Crafting stories through objects

Christie’s is set to unveil Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel, a celebration of the late style icon’s bold vision and love for maximalism. The auction, featuring over 200 items from Apfel’s personal trove, will run online from January 28th to February 13th, with highlights displayed in Miami, Palm Beach, and New York.

Renowned as the “matriarch of maximalism,” Apfel championed self-expression through a dazzling mix of fashion, art, and design. Her collection reflects a life spent blending craftsmanship and history with a playful, eclectic touch. Among the offerings are couture garments, vibrant statement jewelry, and decorative pieces from her homes in New York and Palm Beach.

Highlights include a Dior Haute Couture Feather Coat and a Carolina Herrera Tri-Color Block Shirt Gown, each estimated between $800 and $1,200. Fittingly, an 18-piece set of eyeglass frames, designed by Apfel in partnership with Zenni, embodies her signature oversized glasses look.

Apfel’s passion for design also shines in her collection of art and furniture. Notable pieces include a Victorian brass birdcage with a beaded parrot model, a giltwood footrest supported by lion sculptures, and a Chinese carved folding screen, with estimates ranging from $800 to $3,000. The star of the auction is a carved ostrich sculpture that doubles as a bar, priced at $6,000–$8,000, accompanied by a whimsical Kermit the Frog plush.

The auction offers an intimate glimpse into Apfel’s vibrant world, where “more is more and less is a bore.” With its mix of historical craftsmanship and daring creativity, the collection is a testament to her enduring influence on fashion and design.