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Why Luxury Giants Are Obsessed With Small Japanese Suppliers

Companies like LVMH, Hermès and Gucci are strengthening ties with Japan’s artisanal producers to tap exclusive materials and ancient techniques.

LVMH MÇtiers d'Art Japan head Emina Morioka in the Kuroki denim factory. — LVMH Métiers d'Art Japan head Emina Morioka in the Kuroki denim factory. (Courtesy)

Zoe Suen

10 October 2023

BoF PROFESSIONAL

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Originating in the French town of Nîmes and popularised in America, denim was traditionally associated with western countries. Hundreds of years on, however, high quality producers are few and far between in the US and just as rare in manufacturing hubs like Italy, says LVMH’s Emina Morioka. These days, the mecca for premium denim is widely known to be Japan where she heads up the luxury group’s local Métiers d’Art division.

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About the author

Zoe Suen

Zoe Suen is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. Suen is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant who writes about luxury fashion and beauty.

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