New York: Fern Mallis paid tribute to the late fashion icon Iris Apfel during an auction of her estate at Christie’s. The event celebrated Apfel’s legacy, highlighting her eclectic style and lasting influence on fashion history, just months after her passing at the age of 102.

Fern Mallis, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, spoke at Christie’s during the auction of the estate of esteemed interior designer Iris Apfel, who garnered fame as a style icon later in life. The event marked a significant moment for Apfel’s legacy, coming several months after her death in March at the age of 102. Apfel was married to her husband, Carl Apfel, for 68 years, and together they founded Old World Weavers, a company renowned for providing textiles that adorned the interiors of the White House from the Truman administration through to the Clinton presidency.

Mallis reflected on Apfel’s life, sharing that she grew up on a farm in Queens and had to commute via ferry to reach Manhattan. “A 65 cent brooch was her first treasure accessory. And even at 100, she exuded the energy and confidence of someone half her age,” Mallis stated, highlighting Apfel’s enduring spirit.

Apfel was celebrated for her distinctive and eclectic personal style, which seamlessly blended finds from flea markets with haute couture. In recognition of her fashion significance, the Metropolitan Museum of Art curated a dedicated exhibition showcasing her impressive wardrobe in 2005. The following year, she was the subject of a coffee-table book titled “Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel.” Her place in the annals of fashion history was further entrenched with the release of the documentary “Iris,” directed by Albert Maysles, in 2014.

The auction of Apfel’s estate at Christie’s drew a crowd eager to pay homage to her unique contributions to the fashion world, illustrating the impact she had across generations and the enduring fascination with her distinctive style and remarkable life story.

Source: Noah Wire Services