The auction market prepares for the Iris Apfel collection

A great novità for the auction market: Christie’s has announced the auction titled “Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel”, which will be held online from January 28 to February 13, 2025.

The treasures at auction

The collection includes over 200 pieces that reflect the bold aesthetics and eclecticism of Apfel.

Among the most notable articles:

• Clothing and accessories: high fashion and prêt-à-porter garments from the 1950s to today, including a Dior Haute Couture feather coat and a color block shirt-dress by Carolina Herrera.
• Iconic glasses: a selection of multicolored frames from the Iris Apfel X Zenni collaboration.
• Interior design: distinctive pieces from his residences in New York and Palm Beach, such as an ostrich-shaped carved bar, made in Italy around 1975.

Public Expositions

Before the auction, the pieces will be displayed in various locations:

• Miami: from January 23 to 25, 2025.
• Palm Beach: at The Colony Hotel, from January 29 to 31, 2025.
• New York: at Christie’s, from February 8 to 13, 2025.

The impact on the market of auctions

The sale of Iris Apfel’s collection represents a significant event in the auction market, attracting the attention of collectors, fashion and design enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

Emerging Trends

This event highlights some trends key in the bull market of auctions:

• Valuation of personal collections: auctions of collections that belonged to iconic figures generate great interest, as they offer the opportunity to acquire unique pieces with a fascinating history.
• Interest in 20th-century design and fashion: there is a growing demand for vintage design objects and fashion items, considered both as investments and as cultural testimonies.
• Online auctions: the online mode expands accessibility, allowing a global audience to participate and increasing the competitiveness of the offers.

Considerations for collectors

For potential buyers, it is essential:

• Evaluate authenticity and provenance: ensure that the items have documentation that certifies their originality and history.
• Analyze the price estimates: consider the valuations provided by Christie’s, keeping in mind that the final bids might exceed the initial expectations.
• Consider the cultural importance: acquiring pieces from a collection like that of Apfel means owning a fragment of the history of fashion and design.

The market of Christie’s auctions

The auction of Iris Apfel’s collection represents a unique opportunity to explore and acquire distinctive elements of the world of fashion and design.

This event highlights the importance of auctions in preserving and enhancing cultural heritage. At the same time, it offers a glimpse into the trends and dynamics of the contemporary market.

Amelia Tomasicchio

As expert in digital marketing, Amelia began working in the fintech sector in 2014 after writing her thesis on Bitcoin technology. Previously author for several international crypto-related magazines and CMO at Eidoo. She is now the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Cryptonomist and Econique.

She is also a marketing teacher at Digital Coach in Milan and she published a book about NFTs for the Italian publishing house Mondadori, while she is also helping artists and company to entering in the sector. As advisor, Amelia is also involved in metaverse-related project such as The Nemesis and OVER.