Francesca Popescu Ife, founder of FPI Art Initiative. Photo Credit: Sofia Belhouari
Francesca Popescu Ife is the kind of art advisor you want in your corner—smart, stylish, and full of ideas that make you see art (and space) differently. She founded FPI Art Initiative to bring contemporary art into beautiful homes, showrooms and unexpected places—think luxury penthouses in New York and summer homes in the Hamptons. What I love about her approach is that she makes art feel accessible, personal, and totally in sync with how people actually live. It's about placing great work in real spaces, creating a mood, a story—something that resonates with people. Francesca has an incredible eye and a background in both fashion and the art business, so her taste is spot on. If you're ever looking to collect, curate or just live with more art, she's absolutely the one to call.
NYC, Hamptons, Miami: You live in three great locations. For each city, what do you love the most about it, and why?
New York City is the heartbeat of the art world—a place where creativity pulses through every street and skyline. I've called it home for 20 years, and not a day goes by that it doesn't surprise me. With its world-renowned galleries, storied institutions, and the sheer concentration of visionary artists, New York is where passion and possibility collide. It's where art doesn't just live—it breathes. The Hamptons offer a different kind of magic—a serene sanctuary where the pace slows, and inspiration flows freely from the beauty of nature. It's a place where the ocean meets the canvas, where generations of artists have found their voice in the rolling dunes and golden light. For me, the Hamptons are a reminder that quietude can be just as powerful as chaos, and that great art often comes from great peace. Miami is electric. It's bold, colourful, and unapologetically alive. There's an incredible energy here, fueled by a rich blend of cultures, particularly from South and Central America, making the art scene feel fresh, global, and constantly evolving. Institutions are thriving, the community is growing, and every corner feels like it's on the edge of something extraordinary. Each city brings its own rhythm, its own muse—and I feel incredibly grateful to live within the dynamic harmony of all three.
Deliverance, 2025, acrylic, oil and thread on canvas, 36 x 36 in, by Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow
Summer in the Hamptons—for someone visiting this summer, what's the hot list of must-do, must-see, must-eat?
Summer in the Hamptons is truly one of my favourite times of year—there's just something special in the air. The energy shifts, and the whole community comes alive with creativity, great food, and unforgettable experiences.If you're visiting this summer, there are a few places I always find myself returning to. For dinner with friends or a cozy date night, I love Dopo Argento in Southampton, Sant Ambroeus, and Tutto Il Giorno in Sag Harbor—each has its own charm and consistently serves amazing food. The American Hotel is a classic that never disappoints, and for a European vibe, sunset drinks and dinner at Sunset Beach is a must. And no summer is complete without at least one long, breezy lunch at Duryea's in Montauk. On the art side, the Hamptons are booming with art shows and exhibitions. I always recommend The Parrish Art Museum and Southampton Arts Center—both have fantastic programming. DIA, Guild Hall, LongHouse Reserve, and the Peter Marino Foundation are also absolute must-sees, whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking to soak up some beauty. This summer, definitely check out The HUB—they've been hosting such fun pop-ups and events. It's a great place to meet people, discover new brands, artists, or hang out and see what's happening. All in all, summer out east is about slowing down a bit, connecting with friends and places you love.
5:13-24, 2024, recycled plastic, recycled cardboard, recycled wood and hand-painted, 52 x 38 x 16 in by Paolo Corona
Your career started in fashion design. What type of design did you specialise in, and how does this influence your style and aesthetic today?
Yes, my career began in fashion design—I spent 10 years as a denim designer, and those years laid the foundation for everything I do today. Denim, in particular, taught me so much. It's a material that tells stories—it fades, it moulds to the body, it ages with time, just like art. I've always believed that fashion and art are deeply intertwined; they're both powerful forms of self-expression and storytelling. I've never seen clothing as just something we wear—I see it as wearable art, a way to express identity, emotion, and individuality. That philosophy naturally carried into my work in the art world. Whether I'm curating a space, advising a collection, or even getting dressed for an opening, it all comes from the same place: an appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and intentionality. Style and aesthetic, for me, are about bringing elements together in a way that feels authentic, whether that's a perfectly cut blazer or a thoughtfully hung painting. Both fashion and art require a trained eye, a deep sense of personal taste, and a love for creativity that evolves over time. It's all about composition, mood, and making a statement—without having to say a word.
Why the change to art advisory, and how did you begin your journey to become an art advisor?
Art has always been a part of who I am. I grew up painting, and from a young age, I was fortunate to travel the world with my family—experiences that exposed me to many different cultures and perspectives. Even while I was working in fashion, art and architecture were always a source of inspiration in my practice. Fashion was an incredible chapter—but as many in the industry know, it's not always as glamorous as it seems. After a decade, I hit a point where I felt a creative void. I wasn't inspired in the same way, and I knew I needed to reconnect with something that truly moved me. That's when I decided to return to school and earn my master's degree in art business. During that time, I worked in a few galleries, and everything just clicked. I realised what I wanted was to help others connect with art in meaningful ways—to build collections that tell stories, champion voices that are too often overlooked, and shine a light on emerging to mid-career artists from parts of the world that aren't always represented in the mainstream art conversation. Becoming an art advisor felt like the right avenue for me—it allowed me to blend my eye for aesthetics with my love for storytelling and cultural dialogue.
Tell me about FPI and what type of advisory and art you specialise in?
At its core, FPI is an art advisory that focuses on emerging to mid-career artists and collectable design. We work closely with both private and commercial collectors to help build thoughtful, meaningful collections. What drives us, though, is our mission to spotlight talent from countries and regions that have traditionally been underrepresented in the Western art world. I started FPI Art Initiative because I wanted to create a platform that not only supports artists but also brings their work into spaces where it can truly be experienced. We collaborate with architects and developers to curate site-specific exhibitions—not just to showcase the art, but to help people envision how it can integrate into a space and become part of their everyday lives. It's more than just placing artwork—it's about connection, intention, and giving both artists and collectors a space to grow, discover, and inspire.
What artists are currently on your radar, and why?
That's always a tough one for me—there are so many artists I admire and feel invested in watching grow. I truly believe in the power of supporting artists early in their journeys, so I'm constantly discovering new voices that inspire me. Right now, I've been particularly drawn to the work of Rugiyatou Ylva Jallow, a Swedish-Gambian artist based in Los Angeles. Her portraits are absolutely captivating—there's a softness and grace to them, but also a quiet power that stays with you. Her work feels deeply personal yet universal, and I love how she brings a great deal of emotional depth to the canvas. Another artist I've been following is Paolo Corona, an Italian sculptor and collectable designer. His practice is rooted in sustainability—he takes discarded materials and transforms them into something truly beautiful. His pieces add such a unique presence to a space—they're sculptural, vibrant, and full of life. I'm really inspired by his ability to reimagine what design can be and how materials can be given a second life.
These artists are just two of many, but what draws me in is when an artist's work not only reflects technical skill but also tells a story, invites emotion, and creates a connection. That's what I'm always looking for.
You visited your family home in Romania this spring. What are your top five must-see places to visit?
Returning to Bucharest always feels like coming home in a deeply grounding way. My parents are from there, and over the past couple of years, it has become an annual trip—not just to see family and old friends, but to reconnect with my roots and the culture that has shaped so much of who I am. Each visit is a mix of nostalgia and discovery. Lately, I've timed my trips around RAD Art Fair, which has become such an exciting platform for Romanian galleries and artists. It's been amazing to see how the creative scene is evolving there. It's impressive to see the talent emerging from the region and to witness Romanian galleries and artists finally receiving the spotlight they deserve. There's so much I love about Bucharest. Still, if I had to narrow it down, these are my top five must-dos. Visit the Stavropoleos Monastery—it's one of the oldest and most serene places in the city, tucked away in the Old Town. It's a Byzantine architectural masterpiece and a peaceful courtyard. Tour the Palace of Parliament—it's massive (one of the largest government buildings in the world) and a powerful reminder of Romania's complex history. It's both impressive and sobering, and worth seeing. Stroll around Herăstrău Lake—I always make time to walk the promenade, stop for a long lunch, dinner or a cocktail, and soak up the energy. It's such a lively area with great restaurants and bars, and at night, it comes alive. See a concert at the Romanian Athenaeum—The building itself is breathtaking, and there's something magical about experiencing live classical music there. It's the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra, and if you're lucky enough to catch a performance, it's unforgettable. Dinner at Caru' cu Bere—it's one of the oldest restaurants in Bucharest, filled with old-world charm and architecture. I always order classic Romanian dishes here, such as Mici—delicious grilled minced meat rolls—served with a cold Romanian beer or a glass of local wine. Another favorite of mine is Sarmale, the traditional cabbage rolls stuffed with seasoned meat and rice, often accompanied by sour cream and polenta—it's comfort food with so much history.
Lastly, what's next for FPI? Do you have any exciting news or upcoming exhibitions to share?
Currently, I'm focusing on building my art advisory firm, which has been an exciting and rewarding journey. I'm currently in the planning stages of curating a show in Miami this upcoming fall—something I'm looking forward to. It's still early, but the goal is to spotlight emerging voices and create a dynamic, thoughtful experience that reflects both the local scene and broader contemporary conversations.
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