This was likely made from interiors and upholstery fabric initially acquired for Old World Weavers, the furnishings firm owned by Iris and Carl Apfel. Such became a common practice for Iris during buying trips for the business that often took the couple to Europe, and especially in Italy where she worked with a couturier. In her essay for Rare Bird of Fashion: The Irreverent Iris Apfel by Eric Boman, Iris wrote: "...I managed to find her palazzo, but the Contessa insisted she would only work with her own fabrics. As I was halfway out the door, she reconsidered and suggested I bring some of mine over. When she what I hauled back from the mill, she flipped out. From then on, she made a number of things for me..."

For more information on Old World Weavers, please see Lot 7.