Explore the legacy of Ilon Specht, the visionary behind the iconic "Because I'm Worth It" campaign for L'Oréal Paris. Browse treasures from her estate, presented by Capsule, including past and current highlights in our Collectibles sale. The sale features a collection of Chase chrome decor, salesmen sample stoves, perfume bottles, clocks, furniture, and more.
Portrait of Ilon Specht
Ilon Specht was a pioneering advertising copywriter and creative director who first carved a place for herself in the heady "Mad Men" era of New York advertising. While still in her twenties, she created the iconic "Because I'm Worth It" campaign for L'Oreal Paris which would change beauty advertising forever, catalyzing a pivot from an emphasis on pleasing men to promoting women's self-confidence and empowerment. Ilon also did groundbreaking work for the Peace Corps, Oxy 5, Underalls, and Life cereal.
If you're interested in learning more about Specht you can watch Oscar-winning documentarian Ben Proudfoot's 2025 documentary short The Final Copy of Ilon Specht on Amazon. She also features in Malcolm Gladwell's 1999 New Yorker article True Colors.
The Dakota
Specht was an avid collector, especially of Deco and American country, with an eye that transcended eras and fads. Unlikely collections adorned all corners of her dazzling apartment in the Dakota. After retiring from advertising, she moved to California and devoted herself full-time to making and dealing in beautiful things. As a mother, a stepmother, a friend, and a boss, Ilon Specht was caring, generous, courageous and brilliant. Her influence and kindness touched the lives of many.
Inside Ilon Specht's Dakota apartment
Holiday Sale Highlights
Three standouts from our December Holiday Sale:
Lot 54 | Lajos Mack, Monumental Vase (c. 1900)
Lot 16 | Kilim Covered Lounge Chair
Lot 53 | Tiffany Studios, Azalea Table Lamp
January Great Estates + Highlights
Three standouts from our January Great Estates + sale:
Lot 229 | Art Deco Metal and Glass Vitrine
Lot 238 | Machine Age Illuminated Console Table
Lot 226 | Art Deco Modernist Cheval Mirror
Art + Design Poster Highlights
Three standout posters from our January Art + Design sale:
Lot 59 | Alphonse Mucha, Gismonda (1894)
Lot 58 | Róbert Berény, Modiano Poster
Lot 56 | Alphonse Mucha, Leslie Carter (1908)
Art + Design furniture highlights
Two standout furniture pieces from our January Art + Design sale:
Lot 11 | Donald Deskey, Mirrored Dining Table (1929/30)
Lot 9 | Monumental Modernist Mirrored Folding Screen
Lot 27 upcoming in Collectibles | Norman Bel Geddes, Manhattan Cocktail Service (c. 1935)
Capsule presents our Collectibles sale on March 6th, featuring a collection of Chase chrome decor, salesman sample stoves, clocks, perfume bottles, jewelry from the Estate of Ilon Specht, along with toy soldiers, glassware, art, and more from other estates and collections.
A selection of Chase chrome displayed in Ilon Specht's Dakota apartment
Specht's collection of Chase chrome captures the glamour of the Art Deco era with its sleek, modern designs and exceptional craftsmanship. Produced by the Chase Brass & Copper Co. in the 1930s and early 1940s, these chrome-plated pieces—ranging from cocktail shakers to trays, lamps, and desk accessories—were created by renowned designers like Walter Von Nessen, Rockwell Kent, and Russel Wright. With their bold geometric forms and timeless appeal, they remain highly collectible today. Scarcity due to wartime metal repurposing only adds to their allure, making Chase Chrome a shining example of American design innovation.
Lot 6 | Walter von Nessen, Chase Chrome and Bakelite Coronet Coffee Urn and Comet Tea Service
Lot 24 | Rockwell Kent, Chase Art Deco Wine Coolers (c.1935)
Lot 8 | Russel Wright, Chase Corn and Pancake Sets (c. 1935)
Specht also collected salesman sample stoves, miniature, highly detailed replicas of full-sized cast iron stoves, originally made as portable marketing tools for traveling salesmen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These small-scale models, often crafted with working doors, burners, and intricate ornamentation, were used to demonstrate stove features to potential buyers without the need for transporting a full-sized unit. Today, they are prized collectibles due to their craftsmanship, historical significance, and charm.
Lot 160 | Karr Range Salesman Sample Stove
Lot 159 | Buck’s Junior Salesman Sample Stove
Be sure to check out other upcoming items from the Estate of Ilon Specht, including exquisite clocks, perfume bottles, furniture, and jewelry, all featured in our Collectibles sale on March 6th. The sale also includes toy soldiers, glassware, art, and more from other estates and collections.
Lot 82 | Lalique, Perfume Bottles, Including Cactus and Dahlia, Group of 6
Lot 52 | Gilbert Rohde, Table Clock, Model 4706
Lot 153 | Burl Walnut and Glass Art Deco Bar Cart
Preview Hours
Tuesday, March 4th 11-3pm
Wednesday, March 5th 11-3pm
and by appointment
Pre-bidding for Collectibles is available now. Live bidding begins March 6th at 11:00 AM EST.
