A Timeless Encounter: Mica Ertegun at La Leopolda
I first met Mica Ertegun on a summer evening at La Leopolda, the legendary South of France estate of my aunt, Lily Safra. Clad in a vintage Turkish caftan with intricate embroidery, her almond-shaped brown eyes radiated brilliance and strength, perfectly complementing her effortless sophistication. It was impossible not to be captivated by her presence—graceful, commanding, and utterly magnetic.
The estate, designed by the award-winning architect Renzo Mongiardino, was a masterpiece of opulent interiors and architectural grandeur. Yet, it was Mica’s work on the second-floor bedrooms that transformed them into havens of understated elegance. Her designs combined Mongiardino’s dramatic vision with her own philosophy of warmth and balance, creating spaces that linger in memory as quintessentially hers.
From Bucharest to Istanbul: The Roots of Elegance
Born in Bucharest, Romania, Mica Ertegun (née Ioana Maria Banu) grew up in a world steeped in diplomacy, culture, and refinement. Her father, a Romanian ambassador, cultivated her appreciation for art and tradition, surrounding her with the finest cultural influences of Europe. But her idyllic childhood took a dramatic turn during World War II, when her family was forced to flee their home amidst the chaos of war.
Their journey to Istanbul was a stark contrast to the glamour that would later define her life. Traveling on crowded trains with an uncertain future, Mica absorbed the vibrant colors and rich textures of her new surroundings. Istanbul’s bustling bazaars, intricate patterns, and architectural splendor deeply influenced her design sensibilities. Here, she learned the art of harmonizing ornate details with simplicity, a principle that became the cornerstone of her aesthetic.
Monogrammed Louis Vuitton suitcases. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHRISTIE’S
Paris and New York: The Evolution of a Visionary
Mica’s formal education at Paris’s prestigious École des Beaux-Arts honed her eye for architecture and interior design. The city’s elegance and creativity shaped her artistic ethos, but it was her move to New York that marked the turning point of her career.
In 1961, she married Ahmet Ertegun, the visionary co-founder of Atlantic Records, who revolutionized the music industry by nurturing legends like Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, and Led Zeppelin. Their union was one of dynamic contrasts: Ahmet’s vibrant charisma complemented Mica’s serene elegance, making them one of New York’s most iconic power couples. Together, they transformed their Manhattan townhouse into a hub of culture, art, and design, blending modern creativity with timeless sophistication.
Iconic images of Mica Ertegun, a timeless style legend, captured in her elegant moments. Left: Mica with her husband, Ahmet Ertegun, at a glamorous event. Right: Mica effortlessly exuding grace in a stunning pink ensemble, epitomizing her signature chic aesthetic. [Image courtesy of Vanity Fair, April 2017].”
MAC II: Redefining Luxury Interiors
In the 1960s, Mica Ertegun co-founded MAC II with her trusted collaborator, Chessy Rayner. Together, they redefined luxury interiors, creating spaces that combined elegance, comfort, and personal storytelling. Their clientele ranged from iconic figures like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Queen Noor of Jordan, and Oscar de la Renta to corporate commissions such as Republic National Bank.
Both women, united by their shared childlessness and profound dedication to their craft, forged a partnership that transcended design. Their work reflected their philosophy: that interiors should be a living narrative of the people who inhabit them.
Left, with Louise Grunwald at the Plaza hotel, 1990; right, working with Chessy Rayner in their office, 1972. LEFT, ROSE HARTMAN/ARCHIVE PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES; RIGHT BY BERRY BERENSON/COURTESY OF MICA ERTEGUN.
What Can We Learn from Mica Ertegun’s Design for Our Homes?
Mica Ertegun’s design philosophy offers timeless lessons that can elevate any home. Here are a few key takeaways inspired by her approach, offering practical advice for creating meaningful and beautiful spaces inside our own homes:
Mica, photographed in her office by Harry Benson, 2012. PHOTOGRAPH FROM THE CONDÉ NAST ARCHIVE.
Curate Thoughtfully
Mica’s interiors reflected her deep appreciation for global culture and history. She seamlessly blended diverse styles and eras to create rich, layered environments. Curating thoughtfully means every item in your home should tell a story. Whether it’s an heirloom or a modern piece, each element should have purpose and meaning, enhancing the overall feel of the space.
A glimpse into my favorite treasures from the Mica Ertegun auction at Christie’s. From exquisite Japanese lacquered trunks to brilliantly crafted palm trees and bold art pieces, these items reflect the global influences that shaped Mica’s iconic interiors. Discover how this collection perfectly embodies elegance, culture, and history. ?? Swipe up to read more about these one-of-a-kind pieces and dive into their stories at Joelle Magazine. #MicaErtegun #ChristiesAuction #InteriorDesign #GlobalInspiredDesign #LuxuryInteriors #TimelessDesign #DesignInfluences
Balance Luxury with Restraint
Mica was known for using luxurious materials like marble, velvet, and gold, but she always exercised restraint. Luxury with restraint ensures that opulent elements add elegance without overwhelming the space. By selecting a few key pieces and allowing them to shine, you create a refined, sophisticated atmosphere that never feels excessive.
A Pair Of Large French Brass Palm Trees Attributed To Maison Jansen, A German Ormolu-Mounted And Bronzed Mahogany Secretaire circa 1815-1820, and René Magritte’s L’empire des lumières 1954) in Mica Ertegun’s New York townhouse
Reflect Personalities
For Mica, a home was an extension of its inhabitants. She believed that great design should feel personal and authentic. Reflecting personalities in your home means incorporating details that hold personal significance—whether it’s a favorite color, meaningful objects, or artwork. Your home should be a true reflection of you, a place where stories and memories are brought to life.
A Korean screen and a Caryatides chaise longue by Ingrid Donat in Mica Ertegun’s New York town house Photo: Nina Slavcheva c/o Christie’s
Christie’s Auction: Mica Ertegun’s Timeless Collection
Christie’s is proud to present Mica: The Collection of Mica Ertegun, an exceptional auction spanning multiple categories that celebrate the remarkable legacy and taste of this visionary designer and philanthropist. Following her passing, this curated collection offers a glimpse into her extraordinary life and aesthetic, featuring art, furniture, and objets d’art from her homes in New York, Paris, Southampton, and Bodrum. Divided into three sales, each section of the auction captures a unique aspect of Mica’s design philosophy and personal style.
The Erteguns’ legacy extends beyond their Southampton property, now for sale for the first time since its construction in 1990. Christie’s is preparing for a significant sale, which includes items from the home, titled “Mica: The Collection of Mica Ertegun.” Nina Slavcheva/CHRISTIE’S IMAGES LTD. 2024
The Evening Sale of Fine Art
This sale includes iconic works from Surrealism, Modernism, and 20th-century art, featuring masterpieces by artists like René Magritte, Joan Miró, and David Hockney. The sale sets the stage for the grandeur of Mica’s collection, showcasing her ability to seamlessly integrate fine art into her sophisticated interiors. A standout piece from the evening sale is René Magritte’s L’empire des lumières, which achieved a record-breaking price, epitomizing Mica’s love for surrealist beauty and dreamlike art.
MICA: THE COLLECTION OF MICA ERTEGUN GIORGIO DE CHIRICO (1888-1978) CAVALLI ANTICHI Important information about this lot. Starting Bid EUR 70,000 Estimate EUR 100,000 – EUR 150,000
The Day Sale of Design and Decorative Arts
The second auction features an eclectic array of decorative arts, furniture, and design pieces from Mica’s personal collection. This sale captures her appreciation for global design and luxury craftsmanship, with several standout pieces that reflect her travel-inspired aesthetic. Among my personal favorites from the auction are the Chinese-style brown-glazed garden seats, Japanese lacquered trunks, and Anatolian rugs—each item blending cultural heritage with the kind of elegance that defined Mica’s interiors. These travel-inspired pieces speak to the global influences that shaped her design vision, offering an opportunity for collectors to bring a piece of Mica’s world into their own homes.
The Online-Only Sale of Jewelry and Personal Effects
The third sale offers a glimpse into Mica’s personal life, featuring jewelry, luxury accessories, and other objects that reflect her sophisticated taste and personal style. Mica was never ostentatious with her jewelry. Instead, her pieces exuded understated elegance—carefully selected to complement her refined aesthetic. Items such as silver enamel vanity cases and bespoke jewelry pieces are available in this sale, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of Mica’s curated collection. These items are a testament to her ability to balance luxury with subtle sophistication, reflecting her style without being overtly showy.
Mica Ertegun: A Legacy Beyond Design
Mica Ertegun’s legacy is a beautiful blend of timeless design and deep generosity. After the loss of her husband, Ahmet Ertegun, and her close collaborator, Chessy Rayner, Mica’s passion for culture and philanthropy continued to thrive. She helped establish the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Graduate Scholarship Programme at Oxford University, providing opportunities for future generations. Mica also played a vital role in the restoration of the Aedicule in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, preserving history for all to experience.
Her love for the arts is forever captured in the Mica and Ahmet Ertegun Atrium at Jazz at Lincoln Center, a testament to her enduring commitment to cultural preservation. As a designer, Mica’s work was never just about aesthetics; it was about creating spaces that reflected the heart and soul of those who lived in them.
Mica’s legacy, built on a foundation of elegance, purpose, and giving, continues to inspire. She showed us that true beauty isn’t just in design but in the lasting impact we leave on the world and the lives we touch.
