This Is Him!.

Conceived in 2016 by Nathalie Lorson and Aurélien Guichard for Zadig & Voltaire, This Is Him! was born from the house’s desire to split the line between bright and brooding. The brief asked for a scent that could sit beside its feminine twin, yet carve its own path, a clean citrus‑pepper spark that would tumble into darker incense and warm sandalwood. The launch paired with the slogan “This is Zadig!” to underline the brand’s rock‑n‑roll, easy‑luxury ethos.

The juxtaposition of black pepper’s electric bite with grapefruit’s zesty lift creates an opening that feels like a sudden spark on a rainy boulevard. Moving into frankincense, the composition leans on a smoky, resinous heart that feels like a candle in a dim loft; vanilla slips in, smoothing the edge with a sweet, creamy warmth that never feels cloying. Sandalwood anchors the dry‑down, delivering a milky wood that lingers like a well‑worn leather jacket, turning the fleeting burst into a lasting impression.

The first fifteen minutes are a flash of grapefruit’s citrus bite, instantly followed by black pepper’s sharp, almost metallic sting, a jolt that commands attention. As the top fades, frankincense rises, filling the air with a smoky, incense‑laden veil that feels like a candle in a dim loft; vanilla slips in, smoothing the edge with a sweet, creamy warmth that never feels cloying. By the half‑hour mark the heart settles, and the base of sandalwood emerges, creamy and slightly milky, wrapping the composition in a soft, lingering wood that stays audible on the skin for the full six to eight hours. Even after the scent dries, a faint whisper of spice and amber lingers on clothing, giving a subtle reminder of the initial spark.

Since its 2016 debut, This Is Him! has become a go‑to for fans of modern incense, praised for pairing a crisp citrus‑pepper opening with a smoky, vanilla‑sweet heart. The fragrance sits alongside its sister scent This Is Her! and the shared “This is Zadig!” campaign, reinforcing the brand’s rebellious yet refined image. Wearers often cite it as the scent that announces a confident entrance without shouting, making it a staple in urban night‑out wardrobes.