Press Release

Louis Vuitton partners with UNICEF to help children in urgent need

Paris, 11 January 2016 – Louis Vuitton and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the leading humanitarian and development organization working globally for the rights of every child, have signed a global partnership to support the most vulnerable children around the world. The aim is to raise funds for UNICEF and help support children that are exposed to conflict, diseases, natural disasters and other situations that threaten their safety and well-being.

Children are too often at risk during emergencies and humanitarian crises and are especially vulnerable to disease, malnutrition and violence. For those living in conflict zones, the situation is worse. They are more likely to be denied an education or access to clean water, and more likely to die before their fifth birthday.

Through the partnership with Louis Vuitton, funds raised will support UNICEF’s efforts to provide the essential interventions required to protect, save lives and ensure the rights of all children, everywhere. During 2016, a specially designed product, the Silver Lockit, will be available in Louis Vuitton stores worldwide and on www.louisvuitton.com/lvforunicef starting on 13 January 2016. For each sale of the Silver Lockit pendant or bracelet, $200 will be donated to UNICEF.

UNICEF is present before, during and after a crisis, providing children with essential protection, health care, safe water, nutrition and education. In addition to the work with its partners to save lives and protect children’s rights, UNICEF addresses the underlying causes of vulnerability to disasters, fragility and conflict through its regular programmes.

“UNICEF is a strong and reliable leader in humanitarian action. Together, we can make a real difference to children in the most vulnerable situations” said Michael Burke, Chairman and CEO of Louis Vuitton.

“Charity starts at home. We’ve challenged our teams to come up with a simple but strong product that symbolizes protection. The Silver Lockit is inspired by the unpickable tumbler lock, invented by Georges Vuitton in 1890 to protect clients’ most precious belongings that travelled in Louis Vuitton trunks”, said Michael Burke. “The Silver Lockit is also a token of our promise to help children in urgent need. Our 20,000 staff members have joined forces to generate strong ideas to raise funds and awareness for these children. Our goal is to reach as many people as possible, ask them to share our promise and to make a real difference.”

“From deadly natural disasters to brutal conflicts and fast-spreading epidemics, children across the world are facing a changing and increasingly complex humanitarian environment,” said Gérard Bocquenet, Director, Private Fundraising and Partnerships, UNICEF. “UNICEF is glad to be working with Louis Vuitton to provide care and protection to the world’s most vulnerable children. The partnership will also help to shed light on silent emergencies that might not be in the public eye but affect children in a devastating and long-lasting way.”

Louis Vuitton will also invite its clients to make direct donations to UNICEF, throughout the year and especially during emergencies. Friends of Louis Vuitton around the world, who are influential, inspiring and respected people, will also be encouraged to help raise funds so UNICEF can reach children where it can be most impactful.

Note to editors:
The LOUIS VUITTON FOR UNICEF digital campaign #makeapromise will go viral on January 12th 2016 at the sixth biennial UNICEF BALL in Los Angeles, where Louis Vuitton is the Presenting Sponsor.

UNICEF does not endorse any brand or product.

About Louis Vuitton
Since 1854, Louis Vuitton has brought unique designs to the world, combining innovation with style, always aiming for the finest quality. Today, the House remains faithful to the spirit of its founder, Louis Vuitton, who invented a genuine “Art of Travel” through luggage, bags and accessories which were as creative as they were elegant and practical. Since then, audacity has shaped the story of Louis Vuitton. Faithful to its heritage, Louis Vuitton has opened its doors to architects, artists and designers across the years, all the while developing disciplines such as ready-to-wear, shoes, accessories, watches, jewellery and stationery. As a House that treasures its past while embracing the future, Louis Vuitton has always cherished the values of transmission and often been associated to charities in link with children. For more information: www.louisvuitton.com

Press contact:
Jun Fujiwara – jun.fujiwara@louisvuitton.com - +33 1 5580 3200

About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and well-being of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.

Press contact:
UNICEF French Committee: Carine Spinosi – cspinosi@unicef.fr - +33 1 4439 1749
UNICEF: Jeremy Hartley - jhartley@unicef.org - + 41 22 909 5406