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Extravagant, Elegant and Exotic: Erté Gallery Visit

  • Martin Lawrence Galleries South Coast Plaza 3333 Bear Street Costa Mesa, CA, 92626 United States (map)

Erté (Romain de Tirtoff) (1892 – 1990) defined the aesthetic of the Art Deco era with his theatrical fashion illustrations and sculptures of elongated women dramatically draped and swirling in glamour and luxury - elegant, exotic and extravagant. Today, his work is still highly sought after by collectors. The Martin Lawrence Gallery (celebrating its 50th anniversary) has long dealt in Erté’s art as his Publisher since 1978 and then Retailer in the late 80’s, but five years ago, they acquired the Erté Estate.

At this private visit for Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members, Gallery director Ken Lawrence will speak about the Erté artwork on display and share stories about the world of Erté collecting. Other artists on display include Chagall, Dali, Picasso and Warhol among others.

Members will have the opportunity to see original gouaches, serigraph prints such as “California” and “Florida,” bronze sculptures “Deco” and “Michelle,” Erté’s alphabet and more.

Following the talk, guests will be able to view the artwork at their own pace and enjoy some nibbles and wine. The gallery will remain open until 8:00 PM.

Tickets:

$28 ADSLA Members (plus fee)

$34 Member Companion (plus fee)

This is a limited capacity event and will first be open only to members of the Art Deco Society of Los Angeles. and their guests. Remaining tickets will be on sale to the public on February 21, 2026. Tickets are non-refundable, but buyers may give or sell their ticket to a friend.

DRESS CODE:

Festive and vintage inspired attire with Erté flair.

PARKING:

There is plenty of Free Parking available adjacent at ground level, upper level, and underground. Park on the surface level and enter the mall near Anthropologie and continue to 2nd level to Martin Lawrence Galleries. Or go underground using the parking ramp on the left. as you enter the parking lot. in front of West Elm, Anthropologie and Crate and Barrel. See photos above for reference.

DIRECTIONS:

405 Fwy. South, Fairview off-ramp, turn left (top of ramp) on to Fairview, 1 1/2 blocks to South Coast Drive turn Right, about 3 to 4 blocks when you see the Center before you get to Bear Street.. Turn into the parking lot and you’ll immediately see a ramp to go underground parking at the very beginning of the lot in front of West Elm, Crate & Barrel & Anthropologie. Or continue driving straight into the surface parking lot to park above ground in front of these stores.

The Gallery is on the 2nd level (Crate & Barrel wing). There is an elevator and an escalator to the gallery. It is next door to New Balance Shoes near Pottery Barn.

Earlier Event: February 26
Art Deco Era Makers Group Snug
Later Event: March 1
Vintage Glamour, Beauty Heirlooms