Mica's Private Collection at Christie's

This December, Christie’s is launching a three-part auction of objects, treasures, and furniture from late designer Mica Ertegün’s homes in New York, Paris, and South-Hampton (her collection of art which includes masterpieces by René Magritte, David Hockney, and Max Ernst — to name a few — is ongoing since November). 

Up for bid is a collection that feels like an intimate look into Mica’s world. Alongside serious collectors’ items like the Caryatides chaise by sculptor-cum-furniture designer Ingrid Donat which was featured in Mica’s Paris abode, are pieces that we can imagine occupying Mica’s private life: tea-cups and cigarette cases, Ottoman belts that Mica was often seen wearing with casual trousers and Halston gowns, a set of arabesque silver water pitchers collected in Istanbul’s Covered Bazaar in the 1980’s. One lucky bidder may find themselves with Mica’s various book collections which range in subject from Islamic garden design to Romanian history, perhaps dog-eared where she had taken interest — a curious glimpse into Mica’s creative universe.

For LEVANT, Mica was the epitome of Eastern elegance (see our profile on Mica in Characters), with a style that blended the orient and the occident, whimsy and sobriety, to masterful effect. We’ve asked some of our friends, astute collectors and aesthetes what their dream acquisition is from this historic auction, browse their delightful picks:

Erkal Aksoy, Founder of Alaturca House, Istanbul

“The Tapis Kilim Sarkoy (manastir) is a fine, old antique and unique piece from my homeland. I remember Mica looking for one of a kind pieces like this one during her sourcing visits to Istanbul. She had amazing gusto and a well-trained eye.”

Andrea Whittle, Editorial Director at Moda Operandi 

“I love using mismatched silver vessels to fill a dining table with small flower arrangements — they feel lush and elegant without being too precious. Plus, you get an unobstructed view of the person across from you. These are just right.”

Christopher Cawley, Antique Dealer at Christopher Cawley Antiques & Interiors, New York

“This palatial English Mahogany partners’ desk caught my eye the moment I saw it and rang out; The music was a harmony between Ancient Rome and Victorian England. I don’t have the room for it, this desk needs space to breathe, to properly suffuse its surroundings with the great effects produced by its carved temple facades of columns, pediments and stonework below its writing segments. The provenance — Carlton Hobbs of course, she knew how to pick them. It’s big, bold, beautiful, to some it may even be brackish. A marvel that combines 19th century England’s knack for duality; absolute beauty in craft and function with a design that was probably made entirely for showing off.”

Irem Tanman, Creative Director and Stylist 

“I would entrust my home and wardrobe to Mica. She effortlessly blends periods and genres, creating a completely unique and inimitable world. This iconic Elsa Peretti bag has been on my wishlist for years.”

Victor Stonem, Interiors & Travel Photographer

"This 19th-century casket from the Spanish colonies is a dreamy piece, perfectly blending my love for Hispanic and Latin American arts with history and craftsmanship. Its’ ebony frame, adorned with tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl inlays, reflects the rich fusion of European and Indigenous artistry. The wear and imperfections only add to its charm, making it a tangible link to the stories and cultural exchanges of its time—a beautiful fragment of history."

LEVANT Picks:

Süreya Köprülü, LEVANT Co-founder

"This metal buckle belt recalls my childhood memories of being in Mica’s distinctive presence. She would often wear antique ottoman belts slung low on the hip over a black t-shirt and jeans, or fastened over flowing evening wear. The belt accessory became a fixture of Mica’s personal style and a token of her magnetism. An intimate memento from the collection of a woman I greatly admired."

Naz Muessel, LEVANT Co-founder

"I will be bidding on this sweet Biedermeier etagere/plant stand – I would use it for small objects from my travels, LEVANT works-in-progress that I'm contemplating, and my pebble collection!"