Heritage
A house, in its own words
Zadig & Voltaire emerged in Paris in 1997 under designer Thierry Gillier, whose family lineage traces directly to André Gillier, founder of the iconic Lacoste brand. Gillier set out to create wearable fashion distinct from conventional luxury, drawing inspiration from Parisian women and their approach to everyday dressing. The brand's name choice was deliberate and literary, referencing Voltaire's 1747 novel Zadig, or Destiny, a philosophical tale that resonated with the brand's ethos of forging one's own path. In 2006, designer Cecilia Bönström joined as art director and worked to refine the house's unusual aesthetic, extending the in-house women's fashion direction to men and later to children. The brand carved a niche between haute couture and ready-to-wear, offering what one source described as a democratized approach to cashmere and elevated basics. Collaborations followed with models Erin Wasson and Kate Moss, and in 2009, Zadig & Voltaire made its entry into fragrance with La Pureté. A significant shift occurred in 2014 when Shiseido acquired a license for the brand, and in 2016, the partnership with Shiseido's wholly owned subsidiary Beauté Prestige International produced the landmark dual launch of This Is Him and This Is Her, establishing the house's current fragrance trajectory.
The philosophy at Zadig & Voltaire centers on what the brand termed 'easy luxury,' a vision that challenged conventional notions of exclusive fashion. The house describes its approach as 'rock-n-roll chic,' mixing leather, denim, and unexpected prints in ways that rebel against traditional luxury codes. Central to the brand is a concept of freedom that conditions neither mind nor body, drawing inspiration from contemporary art rather than classical fashion conventions. The name itself carries philosophical weight, referencing Voltaire's exploration of destiny and free will. This spirit of autonomy extends to how customers wear the pieces, with the brand noting that jackets and t-shirts can be worn by anyone regardless of gender. The fragrance line embodies this same rebellious character, creating scents that maintain bold freshness while projecting authenticity. The brand looks to the world of contemporary art for ongoing inspiration, ensuring its creative output remains defiantly contemporary rather than nostalgic.