Fashion icon Iris Apfel would likely approve of this striking sculpture. Here stands the Apfel Sculpture. Its bronze form shines. It is part of the project “Man and Nature”. The Apfel Sculpture was installed in 1985. It originally stood a bit further north. In 2014, it was moved to this location.
The Apfel Sculpture embodies the essence of art. It blends nature and human creativity. Doris Waschk-Balz created this artwork. She is a talented artist. This sculpture invites us to reflect. What is our relationship with the environment?
Iris Apfel, the maximalist fashion icon, knew that “more is more”. She also knew that “less is a bore”. Apfel lived a vibrant life. She was a businesswoman and interior designer. She was also a fashion designer. Apfel was known for her flamboyant style. Her oversized eyeglasses were her signature.
Born Iris Barrel, she married Carl Apfel. They started a textile firm called Old World Weavers in 1950. They specialized in reproducing 17th, 18th, and 19th-century fabrics. The Apfels traveled the world for unique textiles. Iris Apfel also worked on design restoration projects. She worked at the White House for nine presidents.
Apfel’s style was unique. She mixed high and low fashion. She had a passion for accessories. Her collection was showcased at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The exhibition was called “Rara Avis: Selections from the Iris Apfel Collection”. It featured forty objects from Apfel’s collection.
The Costume Institute celebrated her style. It was the first time the museum featured a living person who was not a designer. The exhibition’s success led to a traveling version. It went to the Norton Museum of Art. It also went to the Nassau County Museum of Art. Finally, it went to the Peabody Essex Museum.
Apfel became a visiting professor. She taught at the University of Texas at Austin. She taught in the Division of Textiles and Apparel. At 97, she signed a modeling contract with IMG. Tommy Hilfiger encouraged her to seek representation.
Iris Apfel died in 2024 at 102. She left behind a colorful legacy. Her style inspires many people. Her collection was sold at Christie’s. The sale realized 930,000 dollars. This soared past estimates.
Like Iris Apfel, the Apfel Sculpture is unique. It stands as a testament. It is a testament to art and nature. Its relocation highlights its importance. It continues to inspire visitors. This sculpture makes us contemplate our world. It reminds us of the beauty around us. It encourages us to embrace our individuality.