The highly creative and discerning Yvonne Leon is currently growing her namesake jewelry brand both digitally and across two magnificent Parisian boutiques. Rigorously educated in fashion, Leon shares with her clients an adoration for vintage treasures which began with the discovery of her grandmother’s jewels in the attic. Gaining continued inspiration from the bountiful Paris flea markets, her avant-garde vision is infused into every one of her striking pieces, encouraging unparalleled freedom in design and unconventional ways of wearing. It is with this appreciation for authenticity in art and style that Leon approaches the fall art season in the city, sharing here with Whitewall what she cherishes most about the latest fairs and exhibitions—as well as her beloved spots for relaxation and refreshment.
Portrait courtesy of Yvonne Leon.
WHITEWALL: What are you looking forward to in Paris in October during the fairs?
YVONNE LEON: Paris is always special in October during the art fairs. I’m excited about the atmosphere at Art Basel Paris, with artists, collectors, and curators gathering from all over the world. It’s a great time to discover new talent and see the vibrant art scene in Paris.
“I’m excited about the atmosphere at Art Basel Paris, with artists, collectors, and curators gathering from all over the world,”
Yvonne Leon
WW: What do you have your eye on at the fairs?
YL: I’m curious to see the new contemporary works on display. I always look out for artists pushing the boundaries, and this year I’m particularly interested in pieces that explore the connection between art and technology. I’m also excited to see what Galerie Perrotin and Thaddaeus Ropac will present.
“I always look out for artists pushing the boundaries, and this year I’m particularly interested in pieces that explore the connection between art and technology,”
Yvonne Leon
WW: What are the exhibitions on your must-see list?
YL: I’m really looking forward to the Cindy Sherman retrospective at Fondation Louis Vuitton, exploring her work on identity and photography. The Anselm Kiefer exhibit at Grand Palais Éphémère is another must-see for its powerful and thought-provoking pieces.
Chic Spots for Delicious Cocktails and Cuisine
WW: Where are your go-to places to grab a bite or drink after the fairs/opening?
YL: After a long day at the fairs, I like to go to Le bar des Près, a chic place with refined cocktails and fusion cuisine. For something more laid-back, I’ll go to Jaïs, a typical parisian bistro with a good atmosphere and delicious food.
Paris Insider Yvonne Leon’s List of Favorites:
1. Voyage through the Prestigious Art Basel Paris
SIGMAR POLKE, “Untitled (Paris, Obelisk),” 1971, Gelatin silver print on baryta paper, 23,4 x 17,5 cm | 9 1/4 x 6 7/8 in, 49 x 42 cm | 19 1/4 x 16 1/2 in (framed), Sies + Höke, Düsseldorf; Photograph by Achim Kukulies, Düsseldorf ©, The Estate of Sigmar Polke, Cologne / ProLitteris, Zürich, 2024.
The recently renovated, shining Grand Palais will host 195 prestigious gallery presentations for Art Basel Paris, deftly choreographed by Director Clément Delépine. A wide-ranging public program ensues with notable partner Miu Miu, in addition to collaborations with the leading cultural institutions of Paris.
2. Explore Fondation Louis Vuitton’s Commitment to Arts, Culture, and Heritage
Tom Wesselmann, “Still Life #31,” 1963, Acrylic and collage on panel, television,
120,6 x 152,4 x 27,3 cm, Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, Los Angeles | Photo Courtesy Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation, Los Angeles and Fondation Louis Vuitton.
The Fondation Louis Vuitton grounds its commitment to the contemporary arts within an historical perspective. The LVMH Group and its companies opened a new chapter in their history of patronage with the creation of the Fondation. The building itself was inaugurated on 24 October 2014, the result of nearly 25 years of commitment to the arts, culture and heritage. — Fondation Louis Vuitton
3. Experience Historic Presentations at Grand Palais Éphémère
Grand Palais Ephémère, © Wilmotte and associates.
Since the beginning of its history, the Grand Palais has been home to a multitude of events, from the most prestigious to the most unusual. Historic art fairs have been held in the building, such as the Salon des artistes français, the Salon d’automne, Paris Photo and Paris + by Art Basel, as well as dance shows, concerts, horse shows… and even a boxing match with Marcel Cerdan junior in 1972! — Grand Palais
4. Bask in the Cosmopolitan Perfection of Le Bar des Près
Courtesy of Bar des Pres, Montaigne mars, 2024, © Yann Deret.
Opened in 2016, in the historic center of Paris, the Germanopratin restaurant was invited to London in 2021, thus signing the first international address of Chef Cyril Lignac. In 2024, Bar des Prés is located on the right bank, in the heart of the very chic 8th arrondissement of Paris. The two Parisian addresses invite you to a travel cuisine, a marriage of French know-how and Japanese exoticism, in a cosmopolitan, lively atmosphere. — Bar des Pres
5. Let Jaïs Bistro Whisk you Away
Courtesy of Jais, Paris.
From the pan-fried porcini mushrooms served with parsley and parmesan cream, to the shelled blue lobster alongside mashed potatoes and bérnaise sauce, to the warm madeleine cake married with vanilla ice cream, Jaïs is sure to make all your Parisian culinary dreams come true.
