The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Zadig & Voltaire's 2016 launch introduced a pair: This is Her and This is Him, united under the slogan "This is Zadig!" The result is This is Her, a fragrance that opens crisp and floral, then deepens into warmth that lingers. The top notes hit bright and sparkling, a clean freshness that immediately signals the brand's easy-luxury ethos. Behind the fragrance is perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur, who built the scent around a pink pepper and jasmine opening that feels both modern and accessible, with silkwood blossom adding a distinctive Australian-native accent that sets it apart from typical florals.
The note selection reflects a deliberate balance between brightness and warmth. Pink pepper in the opening signals the brand's rock-and-roll edge, while jasmine brings the bohemian softness that balances it. Whipped cream and vanilla in the heart lean into the cashmere aesthetic, creating that soft, tactile warmth the house is known for, and chestnut grounds the sweetness with something unexpected. Sandalwood and cashmere wood in the base round out the composition with woody elegance, tying the fragrance back to the house's material identity without ever feeling heavy or overwrought.
The evolution
From the first spray, pink pepper and jasmine take charge with an immediate brightness that cuts through cleanly. Silkwood blossom follows, adding an unexpected native-floral nuance that keeps the opening feeling fresh and slightly unusual. As the minutes pass, whipped cream and vanilla slide into the foreground, softening the initial crispness into something creamier and more Intimate. Chestnut adds body to the heart, giving the sweetness a roasted, slightly savory counterweight that keeps the composition grounded. By the time sandalwood and cashmere wood arrive in the drydown, the fragrance has settled into a warm, close-wearing elegance that feels less like a statement and more like an afterthought of allure.
Cultural impact
This is Her has become a quiet staple, the fragrance people reach for when they want something reliable and distinctive. It occupies a specific niche: sweet without being juvenile, feminine without being fragile, strong without being loud. That balance is harder to find than it sounds. The scent has found its audience through word of mouth, worn by those who appreciate its complexity and restraint. It works equally well for everyday wear and for evenings when you want something that feels special without trying too hard.
