Episode 11: When Clothing Becomes Life, and Life Becomes Expression
Friday, February 20th, 2026
Photographer Leslie Kee × Shoma Ikeda
Instagram: @shomaleslie, @lesliekeesuper, @shoma_0223
At Trocadéro, facing the Eiffel Tower. “This is a set we wear all the time,” Leslie says with a smile. From the Louis Vuitton collection following Pharrell Williams’ appointment, he purchased it in Paris in December 2024, and it naturally became a staple. In the early days of their relationship, Shoma wore it almost every day. When the piece disappeared from stores, they kept searching—determined to wear it together. Through LVMH, they reached out to Louis Vuitton Japan, showing their Instagram and explaining how much time and meaning they had invested in this look. In the end, one piece was released from the archive. It was not a gift—but its return was of special significance. The inner hoodie is also Louis Vuitton, chosen instantly by Shoma and now one of his most worn items. The jeans are Levi’s, and Leslie’s sunglasses are Tom Ford. Against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, this look is more than Louis Vuitton. It is a memory in fabric—a record of time the two have shared.
When Clothing Becomes Life, and Life Becomes Expression
For photographer Leslie Kee, photography is never merely a profession.It is, he says, the most sincere way of understanding another human being. Rather than studying a portfolio, he prefers to exchange words and share time. Through presence and conversation, a person’s true outline gradually emerges. Character and inner life reveal themselves long before the shutter is pressed. This belief reflects the quiet confidence of a photographer who has remained at the forefront of his field for decades.
Through Travel, Becoming a Landscape of Love
That philosophy now extends naturally into Leslie’s everyday life with his fated partner, Shoma Ikeda. Through travel, fashion, art, music, and above all food and culture—and through countless encounters along the way—the two continue to refine their sensibilities together. At Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks, or on the streets of distant cities, something subtle happens when they walk side by side in carefully chosen attire. The atmosphere shifts—not because their clothing demands attention, but because the love and shared dreams between them form a luminous image of their own.
At the foot of Pont Alexandre III. The focus of the day was Christopher Nemeth, the legendary London-based designer who was first celebrated in Japan. After his untimely passing, part of his archive was inherited by Louis Vuitton and later reinterpreted around 2015 under the direction of Kim Jones re-emerging as a distinct Vuitton collection presented as a Tribute of Christopher Nemeth to the world. Nemeth’s graphics are never literal. They are not faces, but forms that could be fragments of organs, veins, or even ropes. It is precisely this ambiguity—the space left to the viewer’s imagination—that defines the essence of the brand. On this day, both wore jackets, shirts, and ties by Christopher Nemeth. Shoma directed the romantic situation of having Leslie lying comfortably on his thighs, portraying classic paintings of lovers falling in love in the city of Paris. The pin fastened at the collar is also one of Nemeth’s signature motifs, originally conceived as part of the shirt itself. The styling, intuitively arranged by Shoma, carries a quiet sense of affection inspired by the Napoleon style on the top with a twist of casual street fashion below. The trousers are by Yohji Yamamoto, and the shoes by Nike. The strong artistic language of Nemeth meets Yohji’s architectural lines and Nike’s contemporary lightness, resulting in a look where poetry and modernity coexist.
At the heart of the two walking through the everyday flow of Paris lies eyewear. Their matching sunglasses which were both gifted by Yohji Yamamoto personally have become a symbol—through the lenses, they exchange glances, deepening not only their style but their love affection and partnership itself. The long dark green coats are also by Yohji Yamamoto, while the black shirt adds a sharp edge from Alexander McQueen. Nike shoes ground the look with a light, effortless finish. Clothing is not simply about matching—it reflects a relationship. For them, this look quietly speaks of where it all began, especially highlighting their pair look coordination during the Paris Fashion Week.
The Power of Pair Looks: A Dialogue Between Sensibility and Reason
On their joint Instagram, stylish images and moving portraits of a modern male couple are shared with the world. At first glance, their style might be described simply as “matching.” Yet despite wearing the same garments, what emerges is not uniformity. Like a mirror reflecting itself, sensibility and reason meet in quiet dialogue. Leslie moves forward with passion and curiosity—an energy charged with affection and creative impulse. Supporting this dynamism is his beloved partner, Shoma, whose refined gestures, posture, and aesthetic awareness provide balance. By wearing the same clothes, they do not erase individuality. Instead, the power of their pairing makes their differences—and their respective charms—shine more clearly.
Luxury as a Measure of Time
Their relationship with luxury also reveals contrasting timelines. For Leslie, luxury has never been distant or extraordinary. From photographing one hundred CEOs within the LVMH Group to working with maisons such as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, and Fendi, etc. luxury has long been one of his expressive fields. Shoma, by contrast, once worked in the food industry, dressing simply—Uniqlo was his daily uniform. His life began to move in an entirely new direction after meeting Leslie.
In the Tuileries Garden, stretching between Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, baguette in hand. “This is a very special place for me,” Leslie says. Since the year 2000, when he first visited Paris, he always stops by here. In June when the weather is so sunny and beautiful, he gathers with friends in the fashion industry for an afternoon picnic together. With a Ferris wheel rising in winter and the scenery shifting with the seasons, this garden is where he feels most at ease. On this day, they both wear a silk shirt by Louis Vuitton — a piece they both first discovered at Matsuya Ginza during their dating and instinctively decided to purchase later at Louis Vuitton in Sapporo. The black pants, black belt and black shoes are also Louis Vuitton pieces that sharpened their look into something both sexy and elegant, paired with the comfortable silky shirt. They both later wore it together to a wedding party in Singapore. Shoma pairs the look with KREWE sunglasses, while Leslie wears Ray-Ban, completing a moment that feels both effortless and deeply personal.
In front of the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel. Standing side by side beneath the Napoleonic arch, the two are dressed in Thom Browne’s iconic “4-Bar” suit. Jacket, shirt, trousers, and tie are all by Thom Browne — a look that holds special meaning for them and remains one of their most cherished suits. The signature four stripes running along the arm and trouser leg highlight their individuality, even within a matching ensemble. On their feet are Louis Vuitton shoes, adding a subtle touch of luxury to the sharply constructed silhouette. Their glasses are by Prada, whose classic frames resonate beautifully with Thom Browne’s intellectual and slightly ironic aesthetic. Set against the grandeur of historic architecture, this image of Leslie and Shoma holding their hands together resembles their close relationship of sharing both their mind and soul as one heart, standing proudly as an intellectual couple in society. It is a quiet declaration — a moment where two sensibilities meet and align.
At Trocadéro Square, with the Eiffel Tower rising behind them, the wind was relentless that day. The silk scarf caught in the gusts is by Hermès. The house’s menswear is by no means easily accessible in price, yet it remains irresistibly compelling. They purchased this piece in Hawaii, to celebrate their first New Year gift for each other. Drawn to the horse motif—this year’s zodiac symbol—which immediately captured their attention and became their first Hermès collection. Horses, being also one of their mutual favorite animals, make this photo more meaningful and memorable. The shirt is by Alexander McQueen, the sunglasses by Digna Classic and the denim by Levi’s. Luxury and everyday ease blend naturally, giving the look its lightness. Photographed by their friend Takumi Sankyo, even the force of the wind becomes part of the memory held at this moment.
Embracing an Unimagined Life with Gratitude
As the partner of world-renowned photographer Leslie Kee, Shoma suddenly found himself traveling between Milan and Paris, standing in the spotlight. It was not a life he had anticipated. His romantic relationships with men began in his late twenties, and he naturally came to accept the evolution of his sexuality. Yet he speaks of these changes without exaggeration: “Through meeting Leslie, I have experienced worlds I had never seen before. It has had a profoundly positive influence on me. Our meeting feels like a miracle. I cherish every day we spend together, filled with love.” His words carry not confusion, but gratitude.
Beloved Muse, Mirror of the Soul
What is remarkable is that this gratitude flows both ways. The two began their relationship on September 9, 2025. Leslie describes Shoma as his “beloved muse” and a “mirror of his soul.” He fell in love at first sight—captivated by Shoma’s posture, the brilliance in his eyes, the structure of his face, his gestures, his gentleness, and his presence itself, which Leslie compares to the beauty of the Mona Lisa. From that admiration emerged a live body of work centered on photographing Shoma—an artistic expression he wishes to preserve under the name ShomaLeslie. Shoma is also the one who gently steadies Leslie when emotion drives him forward too forcefully—through daily gestures, glances, and quiet presence. Although an artist, Leslie consistently places others before himself. In corporate portraiture, he captures companies as they are in the present moment, layering his artistic perspective to subtly reveal their future. His mastery of creating such “platforms” has earned the trust of corporations and superstars alike. Yet the origin of that gaze does not lie only in grand stages. It lives in the way he regards the person closest to him—respecting Shoma as an individual and seeking to capture his essential beauty. As muse, mirror, and life companion, Shoma’s presence deepens Leslie’s expression and turns it outward to the world with greater tenderness.
The lingering dampness on the cobblestones heightens the quiet, unmistakably Parisian atmosphere of the night. Layering is the key to this look. The outer jacket is by KITH, while both the shirt and trousers are by Louis Vuitton, grounded with Nike shoes. The very rare short outer jacket, printed with a peacock-like motif, was love at first sight for Shoma in Hawaii — not “this will do,” but “this is the one,” decided without hesitation. This brand, KITH has also become both their first purchase for a street fashion brand. Even with multiple brands layered together, the look never feels excessive. The balance of color and texture keeps it composed. Against the Eiffel Tower, the clothes do not disappear into the night scenery — they hold their own.
“Actually, it’s not a tie — it’s a print,” Leslie says with a smile. At first glance, it appears to be a neatly knotted tie. In reality, it is a trompe-l’œil printed directly onto the white shirt — one of Thom Browne’s playful illusion pieces. The focus that day was AMIRI, the Los Angeles–based brand. The invitation for the AMIRI 2026 FW show arrived the night before during their Paris Fashion Week, yet they owned no AMIRI. “Since we’re both invited as a couple, we should wear a pair look of AMIRI as a respect to the designer,” Leslie decided, and they hurried to find something suitable. Miraculously, only two similar sets of AMIRI were discovered in Printemps — and remarkably, both the size and the aesthetic fit quite perfectly. Soft fabric, relaxed proportions, a subtle check. Nike grounded the look, while Shoma wore KREWE sunglasses and Leslie wore Ray-Ban. It was not planned. But through timing, instinct, and a touch of serendipity, that day’s AMIRI became a record of a moment they would not forget, making important decisions together as a couple to achieve their goals and satisfaction.
Choosing the Best in an Unscripted World
During the interview, a symbolic moment occurred. Shoma mentioned that 350 copies of total 1000 kg of photography books needed to be delivered to the Armani Hotel in Dubai. While preparing for an upcoming gala dinner, the two were already looking toward their next endeavor. There was no sense of panic—only calm evaluation of what would be best. Unexpected cancellations and sudden opportunities are part of Leslie’s daily reality. He responds not with emotional turbulence, but with flexibility and integrity. Such composure is a defining strength in today’s fast-paced, SNS-driven world.
Destiny and Responsibility, Becoming a Couple who Contributes to Society
Beside him, Shoma observes his own position with clarity. As the partner of an extraordinary photographer, as a creative collaborator, and as someone who shares daily life, he accepts these roles as both destiny and responsibility. “Together with Leslie, I hope we can become a couple who contributes to society. I continue to learn and refine my sensibilities every day.” There is no flamboyance in this statement—only maturity.
Photographed during Paris Fashion Week. The setting is the iconic Fontaine des Mers at Place de la Concorde. The focus of the day was volume control. The jacket is by KITH, layered over a shirt by Christopher Nemeth. Generously cut through the sleeves and back, the deliberately relaxed top creates intentional space. In contrast, the trousers are by Yohji Yamamoto, their sharp, almost samurai-like line tightening the overall silhouette. Nike shoes add lightness, while Shoma wears sunglasses by KREWE and Leslie by DIGNA Classic. “Flat on top, cinched below,” both Shoma and Leslie explained at the same time. Great minds think alike; they both stood on top smiling proudly like a warrior guarding the empire. By clearly separating where to loosen and where to tighten, the look achieves tension without heaviness. Volume is not something to reduce — it is something to command.
Food: Another Form of Expression
Toward the end of the interview, Shoma spoke softly: “For me, food is an essential part of my identity.” In the near future, he hopes to produce and manage a restaurant together with Leslie. Even a small space would suffice—so long as he can choose ingredients himself, cook with his own hands, and create a place where guests may gather. Leslie listened with warm, steady eyes—standing beside him in quiet trust.
The Day Another Axis Was Added to Life
Leslie, too, spoke candidly of his gratitude. Before meeting Shoma, his life revolved entirely around work—driven by career and passion. Photography was his unquestioned center. Living with Shoma introduced a subtle yet profound shift. How to live outside of work. How to share time with someone precious. Through Shoma, Leslie learned that life holds another axis beyond creation. Meeting Shoma, he says, is one of the treasures of his life. His words were not sentimental—only deeply certain.
At the foot of Pont Alexandre III. Paris in the early morning is still quiet, the air is soft and unhurried. This look is built around a Khaki jacket and trousers designed by Jonathan Anderson for Loewe as his last collection, layered with a black silky shirt and green tie by Louis Vuitton. A sense of movement between structure and ease of lives within the silhouette. This image reflects the relationship of the couple, which naturally shows how Shoma expressed his care and affection for Leslie on a daily basis starting from dressing up his beloved partner gracefully. Their black Nike shoes add lightness, while Leslie’s glasses by Tom Ford complete the composition. Perhaps the essence of fashion lies not in the finished moment, but in the subtle, centimeter-by-centimeter adjustments that bring it into balance.
With the Eiffel Tower rising behind them, the two stand shoulder to shoulder. This look extends from a style they first embraced when they began dressing in sync — a deeply sentimental starting point for their matching aesthetic. The long black coat, red Daria printed shirt, and trousers are all by Yohji Yamamoto. The architectural silhouette in all black quietly defines the body’s lines, while the bold floral motif across the chest adds a striking accent — passion embedded within strength. This is also their first luxury brand pair look they have both purchased right before their first trip to attend Paris Fashion Week. The sunglasses are by Digna Classic, originally inspired by John Lennon. Their rounded, classic frame introduces subtle intellectual softness to Yohji Yamamoto’s mode-driven world. Against the depth of black, the vivid red Daria emerges with intensity. This is not merely matching attire — it is a quiet testament to the origin of a true love relationship that has grown ever deeper over time.
“ShomaLeslie” Evolving as Art
Fashion, travel, encounters, lifestyle, and food. The expression shared through their Instagram account Shoma Leslie is neither a display of romance nor calculated branding. It is the record of two men living together as lovers, with love and respect—honoring each other’s differences while transforming daily life into creative expression. Their photographs and moving images capture moments and memories that, together, form a work of art. What landscapes they will reveal next remains unknown. For now, imagining what lies ahead is simply a pleasure.
Photography: SANKYO
Author: Miyuki Kitagawa
General Manager of VESTA by John Ford, a bespoke tailor in Ginza, Tokyo. Native in Japanese, fluent in English, Italian, and French, she has 25 years of experience as a menswear expert. Known for her exceptional eye for quality fabrics and craftsmanship, she serves a clientele that includes top executives, politicians, and ambassadors worldwide. Even former Italian ambassadors to Japan have praised her work. She frequently contributes to fashion publications and has a deep knowledge of sartorial history. Her favorite food is fugu sashimi (tessa). https://johnford.co.jp/
