Tokyo Exhibition Highlights LVMH Japan’s Diversity Efforts
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
TOKYO — An exhibition opening Friday aims to highlight the diversity and inclusivity efforts of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton’s Japanese branch.
Singapore-born, Tokyo-based photographer Leslie Kee spent eight months photographing employees of the French luxury group and its brands, as well as international celebrities who align with LVMH’s commitment to diversity.
The resulting 30 portraits were unveiled at the Creative Space Akademaia21 Harajuku gallery in Tokyo on Thursday, and the exhibition “Super LVMH ~ Art de Vivre” will be open to the public until May 19.
This project marks the first time a great number of LVMH executives have come together to be photographed to support an event dedicated to pride and inclusivity.
More from WWD
“This project gave me the opportunity to understand the legacies of all the different maisons. They have so many stories to tell,” said Kee at the exhibition’s launch event.
“With continuous efforts on diversity and inclusion actions in our daily work, and by collaborating with people like Leslie and the Tokyo Pride team, we can make a positive impact on Japanese society where anyone, no matter which gender, age or background, can flourish,” stated LVMH Japan president Norbert Leuret.
Spread across two floors in the gallery, the exhibition spotlights brands such as Loro Piana, Fendi, Tiffany & Co. and Rimowa. The likes of Leuret and Emina Morioka, director of LVMH Metiers d’Art Japan, are photographed alongside models Aoi Yamada and Atherton Grace Johnson, MC Clara Bodin, Japanese rock band I Don’t Like Mondays and film director Naomi Kawase.
“The portraits by Kee truly capture the essence of our group culture infused by the notions of culture and respect of each other beyond our differences,” added LVMH’s group chief diversity and inclusion officer Vanessa Moungar.
The exhibition is part of a broader pride initiative for the French luxury group, in honor of the 30th anniversary of Japan’s pride month. It is participating in the three-day Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024 festival that culminates with a parade on April 21.
Until April 29, Tokyo’s Omotesando Boulevard is decorated with LVMH and Tokyo Rainbow Pride flags to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
“I am pleased to see the ‘Super LVMH ~ Art de Vivre’ Pride initiative in Japan amplified through the collaboration of our maisons,” LVMH’s group vice president of human resources Chantal Gaemperle said. “At LVMH, we have at heart to contribute to a more inclusive society across the markets we operate in.”
In addition to the exhibition, Kee produced a special edition of the spring 2024 issue of Super Magazine, which he founded in 2004. Printed in a run of 4000, the issue includes 22 editorial spreads that each spotlight a different brand from LVMH’s portfolio, with 22 different covers.
A veteran photographer who has shot for Vogue, Elle, GQ and Rolling Stone, Kee is widely recognized for advocating inclusivity and equality through his work.
His “Tiffany Supports Love and Hope” project supported relief efforts after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, earning him the 40th Advertising Photographer’s Association Minister of Trade and Economy Award in Japan.
Additionally, in 2015, Kee started the project “Out In Japan,” rallying support and amplifying voices for the LGBTQIA+ communities in Asia.
Best of WWD
