Fashion treasure hunt: The legendary Iris Apfel collection

A unique sale dedicated to the personal collection of the late Iris Apfel has opened on the famous streets of Soho, and fashion fans are rushing to snag her vibrant and unusual pieces, reports NYP.

“It’s almost like going to a museum, but you’re allowed to touch the Mona Lisa,” gushes 39-year-old New Yorker Nancy Cavaliere, who has explored the collection both online and in person. “For me, it’s the ultimate Super Bowl.”

The sale, titled The RareFinds: Iris Apfel Archive Edit, is open for in-person visits at The RealReal flagship store in Soho at 80 Wooster St. and will run until October 1 or until all items are sold.

Iris Apfel, who passed away in March 2024 at the age of 102, was a true original in the world of fashion. Known for her oversized glasses, layers of statement necklaces, and bold mixing of vintage finds with high fashion, she became a pioneer of maximalist style. Her motto, “More is more, and less is boring,” was not only a guiding principle for her wardrobe but also part of her enduring legacy.

Pieces with History

For collectors and fans, this sale offers the chance to acquire not just clothing but a piece of fashion history. Items include designer pieces by Gianfranco Ferré, Ungaro, Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, as well as outerwear from Roberto Cavalli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Michael Kors, and Ralph Rucci.

Special attention is drawn to rare pieces from New York fashion legends such as Todd Oldham and Willi Smith, which Apfel collected over decades while at the center of New York social life.

Fans note that the sale allows them to feel her spirit and style. Nancy Cavaliere immediately added a vintage animal-print vest to her cart for $345, perfectly complementing her existing Franco Scalamandré furnishings and textiles. She also purchased vintage Moschino trousers for $275.

“These aren’t just pieces you can wear with pride—they’re pieces of fashion history,” Cavaliere shares.

Bold Accessories and Jewelry

In addition to clothing, the collection offers an impressive variety of jewelry: layered resin necklaces, bracelets, and vintage brooches.

Manhattan resident Belle Backst snagged a bright pink vintage Monies bracelet for $125, noting that the store’s mannequin styling fully reflects Apfel’s aesthetic, making the selection process especially exciting.

Preserving a Legacy

The sale was organized with meticulous care: UOVO Fashion, The RealReal, and Apfel’s heirs cataloged and authenticated every item, ensuring provenance and condition.

Fans appreciate the opportunity not only to acquire unique pieces but also to study how Apfel combined them, creating her signature eclectic style. For some, it’s also a chance to begin their own vintage fashion collection.

A Living Legacy

For many, including Cavaliere, Backst, and Kristen Beitman, Iris Apfel was more than a fashion icon—she was a cultural phenomenon.

“I wanted to take home a piece from her collection that felt like a part of her, to honor and cherish her memory,” says Backst.

The Iris Apfel sale offers a rare opportunity to step into the world of one of the most vibrant and original style icons of the 20th and 21st centuries, feel her spirit, and bring a touch of maximalism into your own wardrobe.