Dawn Chorus: The world-famous fashion icon who found global fame in her 90s, beating the January blues and our quiz of the day
Today’s Dawn Chorus spans the collections of American fashion icon Iris Apfel for sale with Christie’s and 25 years of the Serpentine Pavilion.


Unapologetically Iris
Christie’s has announced Unapologetically Iris: The Collection of Iris Apfel — an online auction celebrating the world-famous fashion icon who found global fame in her 90s.
There will be more than 200 pieces for sale spanning fashion, accessories — ‘the geriatric starlet’, the sub-title of her autobiography, was rarely spotted without a tower of chunky bangles — and decorative art pieces.
Highlights include an Haute Couture Dior feather coat which is estimated to sell for between $800 and $1,200.
A prominent collector with a brilliant eye for detail and colour, Mrs Apfel started out as an interior decorator — at one point working at The White House. In 1950, she founded Old World Weavers — a hugely successful textile house — alongside her husband Carl. More recently, she was the star of a Netflix documentary about her life which premiered at the New York Film Festival. And her collection of vintage and designer clothes were the stars of their very own exhibition at none other than The Met.
It was then, aged 93, that she became best known for what she wore, her bold aesthetic and ability to seamlessly combine colour, pattern and texture. Her one constant was a pair of oval glasses so oversized they looked like saucers — especially in such contrast to her diminutive stature.
She died, aged 102, in March 2024.
Select highlights from Unapologetically Iris will be available to view at Christie’s Miami (January 25-25) and The Colony Hotel, Palm Beach (January 29-31) — close to where she lived towards the end of her life. The full collection is on view at Christie’s New York, February 8-13.
Exquisite houses, the beauty of Nature, and how to get the most from your life, straight to your inbox.
Quiz of the day
1) What is the female equivalent of an Earl?
2) Which fruit comes from the rose?
3) What ancient unit of length was based on the distance from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger?
4) Who wrote My Family and Other Animals?
5) What is an elver?
25 years of the Serpentine Pavilion
Opening in March, the Serpentine Galleries will present the first solo exhibition of Arpita Singh outside of India. This year’s exhibition programme is particularly special because it also happens to be the 25th anniversary of the Serpentine Pavilion Commission which began with Dame Zaha Hadid. Watch this space to find out who the latest architect is…
Surviving January in style
I think we can all agree that January is not one of the cheerier months of the year — which is likely why it is routinely the busiest time for holiday bookings.
Before you start packing, make sure you read our top travel tips for making the journey better, from celebrity-style transfers to sushi at 33,000ft.
That’s it for today — we’re back tomorrow.
Quiz answers
1) Countess
2) Hip
3) Cubit
4) Gerald Durrell
5) A young eel
Rosie is Country Life's Digital Content Director & Travel Editor. She joined the team in July 2014 — following a brief stint in the art world. In 2022, she edited the magazine's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated Country Life's own 125 birthday celebrations. She has also been invited to judge a travel media award and chaired live discussions on the London property market, sustainability and luxury travel trends. Rosie studied Art History at university and, beyond Country Life, has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal, among others. The rest of the office likes to joke that she splits her time between Claridge’s, Devon and the Maldives.
-
'True waterfront homes are finite... miss one and it could be years before you see another like it again': Why the best waterfront property always hits the spot
There’s no denying the appeal of waterfront property, which now sells for some 51% more than its inland equivalent, finds Knight Frank. Annabel Dixon explores the shore.
-
Beyond Royal Portrush: Castles, country houses and ancient towers in the other dimension of golf in Ireland
Rory McIlroy's history-making exploits and The Open arriving at Royal Portrush have made 2025 a banner year for Irish golf — but there's far more to golf on the island of Ireland than those headline-grabbers, as Toby Keel finds out.
-
Crown yourself quizmaster: Country Life Quiz of the Day Kings and Queens special, July 14, 2025
Today's Quiz of the Day tests your knowledge on all things British Kings and Queens.
-
Some Like (to quiz when) It Hot: Country Life Quiz of the Day heatwave special, July 11, 2025
If you're struggling to keep cool — and who isn't? — our Quiz of the Day will at least take your mind off the soaring temperatures.
-
Wimbledon at the movies, and the Royal Family's bank: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 10, 2025
Plus wonderful words and one of Britain's most beautiful insects in Tuesday's quiz.
-
A waterside idyll and the Henrys and Williams who have ruled Britain: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 9, 2025
Plus Hilary Mantel, Octavia Hill and more in Wednesday's quiz.
-
The English church that looks like a Van Gogh fever dream: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 8, 2025
Plus wonderful words and one of Britain's most beautiful insects in Tuesday's quiz.
-
The Beatles meet Disney, and the first-ever Cruft's: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 7, 2025
Monday's Quiz of the Day covers dog shows, revolutions and animated classics.
-
From the archive: 'This retina-awakening advert for British Nylon Spinners Limited sums up the swinging 1960s perfectly'
Every Monday, Melanie Bryan, delves into the hidden depths of Country Life's extraordinary archive to bring you a long-forgotten story, photograph or advert.
-
A bridge just far enough: Country Life Quiz of the Day, July 4, 2025
Lions, castles and even a couple of US-themed questions for the 4th of July in Friday's Quiz of the Day.