Yana Peel has a brilliant ability to gather people together around interesting ideas, hence Intelligence Squared Asia (IQ2) – her own interpretation of ‘intellectual entertainment’. These lively, topical debates are frequently sold-out well in advance. No ticket? Log on to the IQ2 site to view the video.

Philanthropy is paramount to Yana’s innovative Outset Contemporary Art Fund, as co-founder she connects private funding and public arts to bring an often elitist medium to a wider audience, promoting modern art for the masses. An active advocate of the arts, Yana also chairs Para/Site, a Hong Kong non-profit arts organization, and sits on various boards including the Tate International Council, Victoria Foundation and the British Fashion Council, for whom she is a worthy ambassador of British fashion, and young designers in Asia.

Just a final note of admiration for Yana; Art for Baby, the best-selling book featuring work by contemporary artists was produced by Yana in the weeks immediately following the birth of her second child. With four children of my own, this post-partum productivity really humbles me. Needless to say the book also donated its profits to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC)

Art patron, philanthropist, author, mom and muse – I just don’t know how she does it…

KOTUR: Name your desert island essentials?
Yana Peel: Ipod mixed by mimi brown, The New Yorker and cashew nuts

K: How would your female friends describe your style?
Y: Individual, for better or for worse

K: What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
Y: The sheepskin in which i emigrated from russia, aged 3

K: Is there anything in your wardrobe you should get rid of but can’t?
Y: Starred Chanel disco jumpsuit that my daughter is one day destined to love… or loathe

K: What do you never leave home without?
Y: My conscience

KOTUR: Hot date night with your husband, what do you wear?
Y: Alaia and lip gloss

K: When home alone, what do you wear?
Y: My bluetooth earpiece and a facemask by Rodial

K: What do you wear to bed?
Y: Depends who is asking

KOTUR: You’re the fashion police for a day, what do you ban?
Yana Peel: Self-consciousness

K: How old is too old for a mini?
Y: As soon as you start asking the question, it’ s too late

K: Have you ever worn anything you are now embarrassed by?
Y: Without doubt, but life is a journey not a destination

K: How high is too high a heel?
Y: Never, when your husband is 2 meters tall

K: What is your most recent purchase?
Y: Mary Katrantzou – for me, and the Victoria and Albert museum

K: What quality do you most admire in a person?
Y: Dignity. And a wicked sense of humor…

Thank you Yana Peel