Unapologetically Iris—a fittingly enigmatic name for the auction of a bold and delightfully irreverent fashion icon. The name Iris Apfel is practically synonymous with the word unapologetic. She was a woman who wore her personality not just on her sleeves, but on her wrists, neck, and fingers. Her love for jewelry was legendary, and in her own words, “If there was a choice on spending a lot of money on accessories or a dress, I always chose accessories.” For Iris, jewelry wasn’t just an accessory—it was the soul of an outfit.
Now, nearly a year after her passing at the remarkable age of 102, Christie’s is honoring her extraordinary legacy with Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel. This highly anticipated online auction will showcase over 200 pieces from her personal collection—offering a vivid glimpse into the technicolor world that Iris so effortlessly embodied.
A Life Lived Unapologetically Iris
Iris was a masterful storyteller, and her collection of vibrant jewelry served as her muses. Every bangle, every necklace, and every oversized cocktail ring played a role in a larger, dazzling narrative. Her love affair with jewelry began at the tender age of 11, wandering through the thrift shops and antique stores of Greenwich Village. By adulthood, she had transformed this passion into a signature statement—unmistakable and undeniably Iris.
In the 1950s, Iris co-founded Old World Weavers, a luxury textile firm she launched with her late husband, Carl. Together, they furnished the White House under nine different presidents, collaborating with icons like Greta Garbo and Estée Lauder. Yet, despite her work in the highest circles of society, Iris had an extraordinary gift for blending the high with the humble.
A devoted flea market and thrift store aficionado, she embraced costume and ethnic jewelry with the same enthusiasm as high-end pieces. “I’ve never bought much from the big-time jewelers,” she once quipped, “and thank God for that—my husband would’ve gone broke!” Instead, her collection brimmed with chunky turquoise lucite bangles, resin statement necklaces, and a fearless mix of textures and colors that defined her inimitable style.
Iris’s Love for Colorful Jewelry
Iris Apfel’s love for bold, colorful jewelry wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was a philosophy—a way of life. To her, jewelry was more than mere adornment; it was an extension of her fearless spirit and larger-than-life persona. “I specialize in costume jewelry and ethnic jewelry,” she once declared. “I have tonnes!” From vibrant turquoise lucite cuffs to chunky silvered-metal necklaces, her collection was a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and cultural influences.
For Iris, jewelry wasn’t meant to sit behind glass; it was meant to be worn, layered, and celebrated. Stacked bangles, oversized cocktail rings, and statement necklaces weren’t just accessories—they were her signature, a reflection of her unapologetic approach to style.
What to Expect at the Unapologetically Iris Auction
When Unapologetically Iris opens at Christie’s on January 28th, expect a dazzling display of colors and textures that perfectly encapsulate her inimitable style. Among the standout pieces are a vibrant, rainbow-hued Carolina Herrera color-block gown—estimated at $800 to $1,200—and an exquisite Dior haute couture feathered coat, also valued at $800 to $1,200. Each item is a testament to Iris’s flair for mixing high fashion with playful exuberance, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
Then, of course, there are the iconic eyeglass frames—18 pairs in total—crafted in collaboration with Zenni. Some are encrusted with rhinestones, others adorned with bold patterns, but all are undeniably, unapologetically Iris. These signature frames were more than accessories; they were an extension of her personality, a finishing touch to her already unforgettable presence.
Yet, it’s the jewelry that truly takes center stage. Iris’s beloved turquoise-colored pieces will shine in all their glory, from Alexis Bittar’s sculptural lucite bangles to Jianhui London’s striking resin necklaces. Each piece is a testament to her lifelong passion for vibrant hues and unexpected materials. While Christie’s estimates these treasures at $300–$500, their true worth lies in their connection to a woman who redefined style on her own terms—fearlessly, joyfully, and always with a touch of whimsy.
A Legacy of Daring Creativity
As I envision walking through the auction preview, I can almost feel Iris’s presence lingering in every chunky bangle and feathered coat. Her larger-than-life personality resonates through each piece, a testament to her unwavering belief that fashion is not just about what you wear, but how you wear it. She wasn’t merely a fashion icon—she was a beacon of individuality, showing us all that true style is rooted in authenticity and audacity, not fleeting trends or conformity.
Her defining moment came in 2005 when the Metropolitan Museum of Art honored her with an exhibition that cemented her status as a living legend. That showcase wasn’t merely a display of clothes and jewelry; it was a celebration of fearless self-expression and boundless creativity—an ode to a woman who lived every moment unapologetically, Iris.
Mark Your Calendars
So, whether you find yourself in New York, Miami, or Palm Beach (locations for the auction highlight tour), this auction is more than just an opportunity to own a piece of fashion history—it’s a chance to embrace the legacy of a woman who championed self-expression, reveled in color, and proved that accessorizing is an art form in itself.
Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel runs from January 28 to February 13, 2025, at Christie’s New York. And trust me, this isn’t just an auction—it’s a vibrant tribute to the one and only Iris.
Featured image: @iris.apfel/Instagram
Lydia Oladejo is a creative writer with over seven years of experience writing intriguing stories and engaging content. As a Staff Writer at Sewelo, she explores the artistry and history of high jewelry, blending her expertise in storytelling with a passion for luxury design.
