Perhaps you see just an apple. But the Apfel Sculpture in Stuttgart has a story. It is a story of art and maybe a little bit of Iris Apfel.
Iris Apfel was a businesswoman. She was an interior designer. She was a fashion designer. Iris was known for her flamboyant style. She was known for her outspoken personality. And, of course, she was known for her oversized eyeglasses. Iris Apfel died on March 1, 2024, at the age of 102.
Iris Apfel’s impact on the fashion world is undeniable. Her unique style challenged conventions. She mixed high and low fashions. She showed the world how to combine colors, textures, and patterns without regard to period or provenance. Iris taught us that more is more.
The Apfel Sculpture, while not directly related to Iris Apfel, embodies a similar spirit of boldness. It encourages interaction. It invites play. The sculpture shares Iris’s philosophy. The sculpture embraces the joy of life.
Maybe the Apfel Sculpture is a reminder of Iris Apfel’s words. “Color can raise the dead.” The Apfel Sculpture adds color to this place. It adds vibrancy to the everyday life here.
Apfel’s текстиле company landed commissions with the White House. This work sent Apfel around the world. She collected brightly colored accessories. She found unique fashion pieces. By mixing and layering these pieces, Apfel became a fashion icon.
The Costume Institute celebrated Iris Apfel in 2005. They put on the exhibition “Rara Avis.” It showcased her style. It highlighted individual accessories and fully accessorized ensembles.
The Apfel Sculpture isn’t just an object. It is an experience. It’s a chance to engage with art. It’s a chance to embrace individuality.
Iris Apfel’s collection saw an auction at Christie’s. It included couture garments. It included decorative art pieces. It even included a portrait of Margarita Teresa of Spain.
The sale drew nearly 1,000 registrations. Millennials accounted for 43 percent of the buyers. Apfel’s vibrant bangles, necklaces, and other accessories were very popular.
Her art and design objects saw similarly strong results. A carved ostrich bar complete with Kermit the Frog made an impressive amount.
So, as you interact with the Apfel Sculpture, remember Iris Apfel. Remember her spirit. Remember her love of color. Think of the Apfel Sculpture as a celebration. Celebrate individuality. Celebrate the power of art. The Apfel Sculpture stands as a testament. It testifies that more is indeed more.