Peter Copping’s career in fashion has seen him work with some of the most prestigious fashion houses including Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci and Sonia Rykiel. He took over as artistic director of Oscar de la Renta, following the death of the designer who personally appointed Copping as his successor. No wonder. Copping and de la Renta are cut from the same cloth – both avid collectors of beautiful things whether houses or antiques.

“Growing up I was influenced by my parents and their great passion for antiques,” says Copping. “My own collection of decorative arts has grown over the years and evolved from purchases in each location I lived. Surrounding myself with beautiful and meaningful objects in my home brings me great joy.”

Since leaving New York in 2014, (Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia are now at the helm of Oscar de la Renta), Copping has divided his time between homes in Normandy and Paris, while undertaking private projects, from dressing private clients and contributing to interiors titles to designing a collection of haute cushions and throws (available at www.cutterbrooks.com). This collection has been inspired by his 15th-century chateau, La Carlière, in Normandy, which he has been renovating with his partner Rambert Rigaud.

La Carlière is also the backdrop to a new collaboration with Christie’s. Copping selected lots from its forthcoming sale and incorporated these items into six rooms at La Carlière – providing inspiration on how to mix antiques with contemporary furnishings. Due to lockdown restrictions, the rooms were photographed by Billal Taright and then beautifully illustrated by interiors portrait artist SJ Axelby.

Copping explains, “Designing the interiors at La Carlière has been a twelve year process to create a home and so the opportunity to browse The Collector sales carte blanche has inspired me to revisit my surroundings which are a reflection of my personal style and character. The Collector is probably my ultimate spiritual home where I am surrounded by 17th to 19th century works of great beauty.”

Christie’s The Collector sales bring together examples of European and English furniture, works of art, silver, ceramics and gold boxes, which lend themselves to a romantic interior design scheme with rich textiles and soft furnishings. The Collector: Live sale comprises approximately 250 lots, and estimates range from £2,000 – £250,000. Meanwhile The Collector: Online comprises approximately 150 lots covering all aspects of the decorative arts as well as tableware pieces by Meissen, Herend and Baccarat. Estimates range from £300. The latter provides ample inspiration for tablescape enthusiasts.

Clearly a fan of auctions, Copping has enjoyed perusing and purchasing antiques. “I have been able to build my collection over the years from antique fairs, flea markets as well as at auction. I have always found that an auction room offers a wealth of rare and unique pieces and this continues to attract me. My home includes both an English sensibility, reflecting my roots, with bohemian fabrics and English furniture but also more formal French pieces. One of my vices is how many porcelain services we own. We seem to have developed an obsession for tableware so I adore the Indian Basket weave part dinner service, the Elizabeth II silver table service and the charming Chelsea porcelain Hen & Chick tureen included in the auction. I am very much looking forward to being able to entertain my friends once again this summer, with my table decorations as a centrepiece and talking point.”

Need to Know: The Collector: Live view will take place at Christie’s King Street, London from May 11 – 18, also including highlights from The Collector: Online. The Collector: Online Live auction is being held on May 19. For further information visit www.christies.com.