02/28/2025 General
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle is honored to present The Collection of Iris Apfel, a two-day sale celebrating the life and legacy of one of fashion’s most fearless icons. Known for her oversized glasses, vibrant wardrobe, and signature layering of jewelry, Iris Apfel redefined maximalism with her mantra: “More is more, and less is a bore.” A trailblazer in both fashion and interior design, she seamlessly blended haute couture with flea market treasures, creating a distinctive aesthetic that embraced bold colors, eclectic textures, and boundless creativity. Self-described as “the world’s oldest teenager” at 102, Iris embodied individuality and inspired generations to express themselves unapologetically.
Born in Astoria, Queens, Iris grew up in a family that instilled in her an appreciation for craftsmanship and style. With a mother who mastered the art of transforming bargain finds into high fashion and a grandfather who was a skilled tailor, Iris developed a keen eye for mixing the
unexpected. Her early shopping adventures in Greenwich Village and antique stores fueled her passion for discovery, a sentiment that would shape her approach to both fashion and interiors.
After studying Art History and Fashion at New York University and the University of Wisconsin, Iris began her career as a copywriter at Women’s Wear Daily before transitioning into interior design. During World War II, she worked as an assistant to Eleanor Johnson, an experience that deepened her love for sourcing rare and unique pieces. It was during this time that she realized the power of mixing old and new—a philosophy that defined both her wardrobe and her interiors.
A pivotal moment in Iris’s life was meeting her beloved husband, Carl Apfel. The couple married in 1948 and soon embarked on a lifelong creative partnership, traveling the world to source textiles and decorative objects. In 1950, they founded Old World Weavers, a textile company specializing in reproducing and restoring antique fabrics. Their expertise led them to work on decorative projects for the White House under multiple administrations, from Truman to Clinton. Iris’s insatiable curiosity took her across the globe, scouring markets, bazaars, and museums for textile designs that would later inspire her work.
Beyond textiles, Iris’s love of collecting extended to fashion, art, and design. She famously stated, “I don’t collect clothes; I buy them to wear. But I do, however, collect many things—Native American art, Qing Dynasty costumes, Neapolitan pastori, antique textiles, vintage handbags, shoe heels, strange chairs, etc., etc., some the subjects of major museum exhibitions.” Her bold, instinctual approach to style attracted attention throughout her life, including a memorable encounter with Frieda Loehmann, founder of the famed discount retailer, who once told her: “Never let anyone tell you that you’re beautiful, because you’re not. But you have style—real style—and that is worth far more.”
In 2005, the Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection, an exhibition that cemented her status as a fashion icon. The showcase of over 40 ensembles illustrated how Iris’s fearless approach to mixing textures, prints,
and accessories paved a new path in fashion. This recognition led to numerous high-profile collaborations, including partnerships with MAC Cosmetics, Zenni Optical, Magnum Ice Cream, Mattel and H&M, among others. In 2018, Mattel honored her with a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll styled in her signature look, followed by two additional dolls inspired by her Rara Avis clothing line.
The upcoming two-day auction features an extraordinary selection of items from Iris’s Palm Beach and New York estates, reflecting her eclectic and adventurous spirit. The collection includes fine art, furniture, decorative objects, and an extensive array of clothing and jewelry—ranging from no-name vintage treasures to high-end couture. Highlights also include Native American artifacts, Qing Dynasty textiles, and unique items from her later collaborations, such as the exclusive Iris Apfel Barbie and a Magnum Ice Cream sculpture from her 2019 #NeverStopPlaying campaign. Iris Apfel’s legacy is one of unbridled creativity, fearless self-expression, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the unexpected. Through this sale, we celebrate her remarkable life and invite collectors and admirers alike to own a piece of her extraordinary world.
Part I: Live Auction
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at 10am
(View Catalogue) (Sale Info)
Part II: Timed Online Auction
Bidding Closes Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 10am
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