What makes you a real Paryorker ? To me, a Paryorker isn’t just someone who shuttles between Paris and New York. It is a real cultural identity. I am luck enough to enjoy the best of both cities: the quality of Parisian life, its gentleness and refinement… as well as the amazing energy which pervades New York.

How did you become one ? Due to a meeting. When I was 15, I met Léo Castelli, who was probably the greatest art dealer of the 20th century. After having strongly advised me to open my own gallery (which I did, in its first incarnation in Paris when I was 17) and he invited me to his gallery in New York many times. My professional life therefore began in New York and still continues there, as the city is a real nerve center for this profession.

Do you know any other paryorkers ? Jon One, a great graffiti artist, auctioneer Pierre Cornette de Saint Cyr and designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Astonishingly, all three display a quite similar energy specific to creativity…

How are the two cities important in the balance of your work and/or personal life ? To feel at ease, I need to visit New York regularly. Once I even considered moving there for good, but I would have missed Paris too much… My stability really needs both cities.

What’s the difference between the New-Yorker you and the Parisian you ? Each time I return to Paris, I always hear the same phrase: “You’re in such a rush!” It’s true that in New York I am quite highly charged, I have 15 meetings a day and run around everywhere… People often ask me if I drink energy drinks, but I don’t drink anything at all! It’s the effect of the New York air! In Paris, I take my time. I adapt to a more French rhythm and enjoy the good things in life more. In fact, I completely adapt to the pace of the two cities.

Are there things you do which are completely linked to one city or the other ? Yes. For example shopping and fashion are things I spend time on in New York. But I buy all my books in Paris. Even English books. And also I travel around only by bike in Paris. In New York, it’s roller-skates or taxis.

What metaphor can you think of for the two cities ? Ernest Hemingway expressed the relationship perfectly in “A Moveable Feast”. He explains how the combined energy of the two cities sparks a real feast within you, a celebration.

What is your best memory of Paris ? All the great times I’ve had on the Passerelle des Arts (a footbridge over the Seine). From aperitifs when I was young to the morning journey to work, as at one time I lived quite close by.

What is the first thing you do when you arrive in Paris ? When I was a teenager, as soon as I got back from New York I went to the Passerelle des Arts. Now I open a good bottle of wine!

And the last before you leave ? Stock up on books.

What is your favorite time of day in Paris ? 8pm. Because it’s a time of transition, where people on their way home from work meet those beginning to enjoy themselves. There is a second wind, the city comes alive again.

Do you have a ritual intimately associated with the city ? Taking time out to walk around certain places on foot or take a detour there on my bike. The Passerelle des Arts then the Cour Carrée and its surroundings, the Ile de la Cité, the Jardin du Luxembourg, among others…

What about Paris do you love/get excited about ? I love thousands of things about the city. The architecture, for example, is incredible… The views! When I am on my bike in the Place de la Concorde, I love seeing the Arc de Triomphe then, further on, the Tuileries up to the Cour Carrée. Perfectly designed. And the light as well. The orange color of a sunset on a façade, the magnificent lighting of a monument, the glistening of the Eiffel tower…

And what annoys you about it ? Frankly, the Parisians are not always very friendly. I’ve been like that too, I admit, too focused... But I hope I’m getting better. Nowadays for example, I try to smile at people as much as possible in the streets.