Luxury conglomerates LVMH and Kering have reinstated and developed their charter for the working conditions, respect and protection of models, with both companies now committed to a minimum age of 18 for any model posing in a photoshoot or walking in a show. Kering had already announced this policy in 2019, while LVMH’s previous commitment was a minimum age of 16, made in 2017.
“The signatories reaffirm their unreserved commitment to combating any form of harassment, abuse or violence, whether physical, psychological, verbal or emotional,” the pledge reads. “This is why, after consulting stakeholders, the rules set out in this charter were developed. These go beyond legal obligations, with the aim of ensuring good working conditions for models, in keeping with the respect they are due.”
The signatories committed to the pledge as part of their social and ethical responsibility, with an objective to ensure healthy and safe working environments that protect models’ dignity. LVMH and Kering promised to work solely with partners, subcontractors, and service providers across the globe who share — and are equipped to fulfill — the values outlined in the new charter.
In 2017, LVMH and Kering made a similar pledge, although this updated iteration has been developed in line with growing concerns around issues including women’s safety. It outlines a clear prohibition on any forms of gender-based and sexual violence, including harrassment — verbal or physical — and inappropriate jokes or gestures.
Another core addition is the non-discrimination policy, which promises to reflect an inclusive society and not perpetrate stereotyping, “while taking into account the artistic freedom necessary for brands to express their identity and the messages they wish to convey through their collections.”
On a phone call today, a representative for Kering explained that the non-discrimination policy was previously implicit, but has now been updated explicitly. Kering also reiterated its commitment to women, noting the importance of the Kering Foundation — established in 2008 — which is dedicated to combatting gender-based violence against women and children.
In 2025, LVMH joined Safe Spaces — a program focused on domestic and sexual violence — to support employees of the company, complementing a broader network of violence prevention and support programs.
Elsewhere, the charter outlines a commitment to fair and equitable remuneration for models’ work “in line with the practices and rate scales in use in the profession, where these exist in the location where the service takes place.” It also outlines clear guidance on minimum model sizing, enforcing minimum sizes of EU 34 (US 2) and 44 (US 34) for women and men, respectively. On shoots and at shows, models must be able to access healthy food and beverages in line with their dietary needs, and brands must provide information for models around healthy eating.
