Treasures of Houston real estate icon Martha Turner to be sold in high-profile estate sale — with victory for mental health

TThe philanthropic side of the late residential real estate icon Martha Turner will be revisited this Mother’s Day weekend when an incredible collection of her clothing and accessories is offered in what is being called the “An Estate of Grace” sale “. Profits from the sale of everything from furs, including a sable cape, to alligator handbags, coral, amethyst and turquoise jewelry, all sold at lower prices than online resale sites, will benefit the Montrose Center and Healthcare for the Homeless.

Turner’s daughter, artist Deasa Turner, brings the items. This includes over 1,000 fashionable accessories and jewelry this Mother’s Day weekend (this Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11) in memory of her mother and her well-known philanthropy. Organized by the StellaNova Foundation, the sale will take place this Friday and Saturday at the Montrose Center.

Tuesday morning, I took a walk with Deasa Turner through the massive collection of items packed for moving at the Montrose Center. Having known the real estate pioneer well, I remembered Martha Turner’s penchant for oversized brooches and rings as well as statement necklaces and bracelets. She had an uncompromising taste in fashion that made her dress professionally by day and with a taste for the opulent in the evening.

Deasa Turner chose the StellaNova Foundation for its support of organizations that provide mental health assistance and treatment to those who could not otherwise afford it. She shared that she lost her father to suicide and that mental health had always been at the forefront of her philanthropic interests.

In addition to the estate of Martha Turner, the sale will include new, gently used and vintage props, selected by the late real estate investor and world traveler Anthony Kouzounis, as well as cinematic treasures donated by the Houston Film Critics Society.

Although Deasa Turner promotes these sales as the perfect resource for Mother’s Day gifts, I’d say it will also be a great place to stock up on fashion. Think Oscar de la Renta, Roberta di Camerino, dozens of shoes (sizes 8.5 to 9), tons of cashmere, scarves and shawls.

“My mother was a generous soul, an active philanthropist and a woman of great style,” says Deasa Turner. “It’s very fitting that this takes place over Mother’s Day weekend.”

Perhaps the most special item is the custom satin vest created for Martha Turner by her daughter. It is adorned with a selection of Martha’s brooches, the piece inspired by Chanel’s fall 2008 collection. It is offered as a raffle with only 35 tickets sold at $100 each.

There will be a VIP ticketed preview from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. this Friday, May 10, with free entry from 11 a.m. Things open at 9 a.m. Saturday with free entry. The sale ends both days at 6 p.m.

More information is available here.