Harold Koda, Curator at the Metropolitan Museum of Art first met Iris through a friend during his employment with FIT. A show was planned and at the last minute it was cancelled. Koda immediately thought of Apfel's renouned collection.  The exhibition would be completely styled with her pieces transformed into an outfit with accessories and Apfel's complete 100% discression.  Pieces were brought from her Park Ave, New York apartment, West Palm Beach estate and her mothers apartment. This was the first time the MET featured a contemporary fashion icon who is current and who dedicated her time into the exhibition. The show advertised through word of mouth and was a extraordinary success. Later, the Costume Institute named a gallery after Apfel.