Louis Vuitton, Dior and Gucci are among the luxury fashion labels affected by new rules aimed at strengthening protections for models, with their parent companies introducing an 18-year minimum age for representing adults in fashion shows and photo shoots. The updated charter was announced by LVMH and Kering on 8 October 2026, bringing tougher requirements on age, nudity and workplace safety.
The changes will take effect from the next Paris Fashion Week in 2027, nearly a decade after the two luxury groups first joined forces to improve models' working conditions. Alongside the age restriction, the revised rules introduce confidential reporting procedures, staff training and unannounced workplace audits. LVMH and Kering say the measures build on their existing commitments to models' health, safety and dignity.
LVMH and Kering Raise the Minimum Age to 18
The central change is a minimum age of 18 for models representing adults in covered fashion shows and photo shoots. The policy does not amount to a blanket ban on all under-18 modelling; its stated scope is specifically adult representation in these settings.
For LVMH, the move raises the previous minimum age from 16, which was established under the original joint charter in 2017. Kering had already committed in 2019 to using models aged over 18 to represent adults, with its policy taking effect from 2020. The updated agreement brings the two groups' commitments into line on this issue.
The decision affects some of the most recognisable names in luxury fashion. LVMH's fashion and leather goods portfolio includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy and Loewe, while Kering owns Gucci, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta and McQueen. The new requirements apply through the groups' updated charter, rather than automatically covering every fashion company.
Stricter Rules for Nudity on Set
The revised charter also sets clearer boundaries for productions involving full or partial nudity. Models must give formal agreement in advance, and a dedicated space must be provided for situations requiring them to undress.
The rules also state that a model must not be left alone with a member of the production team while undressed. These requirements are intended to make expectations around privacy and professional conduct clearer before a shoot begins.
LVMH and Kering have reaffirmed a principle of 'zero tolerance' towards harassment, abuse and violence, particularly gender-based or sexual violence. The updated safeguards place responsibility on brands and production teams to plan working arrangements carefully and protect models in potentially vulnerable situations.
Confidential Reporting and Workplace Audits
Models will also have access to a strengthened reporting procedure that can be activated at any point during their collaboration. According to the companies, the process is designed to guarantee anonymity and protect witnesses.
The charter introduces awareness and training initiatives for brands, agencies and teams involved in castings, fashion shows and photo shoots. Unannounced workplace checks and audits are also planned, adding a monitoring element to the written requirements.
These provisions extend the focus beyond individual models and designers, recognising that agencies, casting directors and production staff also influence working conditions. However, the announcement sets out the groups' commitments; it does not establish that every independent brand or agency in the wider industry is bound by the charter.
Inclusion Remains a Priority
The updated agreement also reaffirms commitments to inclusion and non-discrimination in casting. Model selection should respect diversity, reflect an inclusive society and avoid stereotypes, while preserving each fashion house's artistic freedom.
Antoine Arnault, LVMH's Image and Environment representative, described model protection as 'a commitment shared by all players in the industry', emphasising the responsibility of brands, agencies, casting directors and models.
Marie-Claire Daveu, Kering's Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer, said the strengthened charter reflected a conviction that 'the respect, safety and dignity of those who embody fashion are non-negotiable'.
The joint initiative began in 2017 with standards addressing models' working conditions and well-being. The latest revision expands those commitments through clearer age requirements, tighter rules around nudity, confidential reporting and workplace checks.
From Paris Fashion Week in 2027, the updated charter will set a more demanding framework for the participating luxury houses. While its reach is limited to the organisations covered by the agreement, the changes place model safety and dignity firmly at the centre of the two groups' stated industry commitments.
