Yana Peel: Asia’s Art Queen

Philanthropist, entrepreneur and elegant art-lover Yana Peel discusses China’s thriving creative scene and a new political generation of artists with NOWNESS. Dedicated to supporting new Chinese talent, the Russian-born cultural powerhouse co-founded the Outset Contemporary Art Fund to place new works in public institutions, and sits on the board of non-profit Para/Site gallery in Sheung Wan. Fluent in four languages, Louis Vuitton’s latest Amble Ambassador is an impassioned supporter of free speech—especially in the wake of the recent controversy over Ai Weiwei’s detainment and continued pressure surrounding other Chinese artists—and also heads up Intelligence Squared’s Asian faction, handpicking speakers such as Shanghai Tang’s David Tang to participate in vibrant talks across Asia. No stranger to fashion, Peel has worked closely with in-demand young designers Christopher Kane and Peter Pilotto as Chairman of the HK Fashion Trust for the British Fashion Council. “Yana is effortlessly chic, from the way she moves to how she talks to people,” says photographer Can Evgin, who visited Peel’s favorite places in Hong Kong for Amble. “She’s down to earth and very charming.” 

See Peel’s guide to Hong Kong on the Louis Vuitton Amble application here.