Important Notice by Vanessa Beecroft and Louis Vuitton

At the end of 2005, Vanessa Beecroft made a nude alphabet which amongst others things is included in the book entitled “VBLV” (published in September 2007 by Edizioni Charta). As part of the alphabet, eight letters forming the Louis Vuitton name and the Louis Vuitton logo were made by Vanessa Beecroft for Louis Vuitton.

This alphabet is an unauthorized copy of the “Naked Ladies Alphabet” created in 1970 by the Dutch graphic designer, Anthon Beeke.

Considering, in hindsight, the resemblance between Mr Beeke’s nude alphabet and the Vanessa Beecroft alphabet, and in order to recognize Mr Beeke’s copyrights, Vanessa Beecroft has decided to cease all further use of this alphabet and has ordered third parties to proceed accordingly.

As an artist, Vanessa Beecroft states that it was never her intention to create confusion between Mr Beeke’s work and hers and apologizes for any misunderstandings which may have occurred.

Louis Vuitton, whose policy is to promote talented artists, deeply regrets any damage that has been caused to Anthon Beeke. Louis Vuitton which current exhibition on Russian artists is very successful, will continue to support artists known and upcoming to contribute to the development of art and culture.