A photo exhibition by photographer Leslie Kee will be held in Y-3 Fukuoka from April 18th to May 10th.
Y-3, launched by adidas in 2002 with Yohji Yamamoto as creative director, is a new sportswear brand. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Y-3 opened its first street-level store in Western Japan in Daimyo, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City in 2013.
The exhibition features Leslie's unique perspective on backstage shots of the Y-3 15 Spring/Summer collection. Images include rare glimpses of the collection's creation, including Yamamoto styling at a model casting event and meetings with the adidas team led by Dirk Schönberger, creative director of the adidas Style Division.
Leslie photographed three leading Japanese artists specifically for this exhibition. The first is MIYAVI, a guitarist who has garnered worldwide attention since his Hollywood debut as an actor in the Angelina Jolie-directed film "UNBROKEN," which was released worldwide on Christmas Day 2014. He is also wearing Y-3 clothing on the cover of his new album, "The Others," due for release on April 15th, creating a buzz. The next group to feature is AyaBambi, a dance unit comprised of choreographer aya sato and dancer bambi. Their edgy looks and unique worldview have attracted attention not only in the Japanese and international dance scene, but also in art, fashion, and other fields. The photo shoot took place in Taiwan, and both MIYAVI and AyaBambi are wearing items from the SS15 collection. During the photo exhibition, anyone who purchases Y-3 products at a domestic directly managed store will receive a limited-edition, exclusive photobook, "SUPER Y-3 PHOTOGRAPHED BY LESLIE KEE," featuring MIYAVI and AyaBambi. Additionally, a free talk show by Leslie Kee will be held at the Fukuoka store from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on April 18th.