History of the brand Zadig & Voltaire

For more than twenty years, the French brand Zadig & Voltaire has been shaking up the fashion world by offering chic pieces with a decidedly rock spirit, even for children. From the iconic cashmere sweater to the mini-me version of the Tunisian T-shirt, discover the story of the brand and its key pieces.

The origins of the brand

It was in 1997 that Thierry Gillier created Zadig & Voltaire. After studying art in the United States and spending a few years at the head of a multi-brand store chain, it was at the encouragement of his wife, Amélie, that he decided to launch his own brand. The fashion world was far from unknown to him, as he is the grandson of the co-founder of Lacoste, André Gillier. The name Zadig & Voltaire was inspired by Voltaire's novel Zadig or the Destiny: he particularly liked the optimism of the main character. Founded on the Left Bank in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the brand quickly expanded internationally, especially to Europe and Asia. From 2006, Zadig & Voltaire also set out to conquer the United States by opening boutiques in prestigious locations like Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles or the Meatpacking District in New York. It is now present in more than eighteen countries worldwide. The first collections were exclusively for women. A men’s collection was launched in 2004, followed by a children’s collection in 2006. Over time, the brand has significantly diversified its activities. It has developed a full line of accessories, including watches, bags, shoes, sunglasses, and perfumes. Since 2008, there has even been a music label, Zadig & Voltaire Music, which produces young artists. Music is an integral part of the brand’s DNA: in 2016, French electro DJ The Avener composed the music for the launch of two new perfumes. Over the years, Zadig & Voltaire has maintained an image that is both casual-chic and rock, partnering with many stars. Models Kate Moss, Eva Herzigova, Freja Beha, Hailey Baldwin, and Bella Hadid have each represented the image of Zadig & Voltaire. The brand also collaborates with faces from the music and cinema worlds, such as Sean Lennon, Jamie Hince, and Alison Mosshart from The Kills, Mark Ronson, or French actor Yvan Attal. Multifaceted and always in tune with the times, Zadig & Voltaire dares to offer collaborations with people from very different worlds. In 2015, Japanese artist Tsukasa Ohtake designed a capsule collection for the brand, and in 2020, it formed an unexpected partnership with the NBA, the American professional basketball league.

Its key pieces and the evolution of its style

Since its creation, Zadig & Voltaire has primarily focused on simple cuts, beautiful fabrics, and sober colors, positioning itself with luxurious yet easy-to-wear pieces for everyday life. It first gained recognition through its soft and comfortable cashmere sweaters. Cashmere has remained a staple of the brand over the years, particularly the feather-light cashmere, a fabric that is especially light and pleasant to wear due to a finer weaving method. A big music fan, Thierry Gillier often drew inspiration from music to inject a rock spirit into his collections. On the cashmere sweaters, he playfully displayed the names of major stars like Elvis (Presley), Mick (Jagger), Justin (Bieber), or Patti (Smith).

Zadig & Voltaire also popularized motifs that have become inseparable from the brand, such as the skull. This symbol appears in all collections, either in print or rhinestones, playing on contrast. More than twenty years after its creation, the brand’s rock spirit is still alive and continues to experiment with other unique motifs like the eagle or the wolf. It also enjoys provocative messages like Je m'en fous (I don't care), or strong slogans like Girls can do anything.

Several other iconic pieces have contributed to the brand's reputation, such as the Tunisian collar T-shirt, available for both men and women, and the military print parka, which can be found in every new collection. In terms of accessories, the rock clutch, which adds character to any outfit, is also revamped each season to stay on-trend.

In 2006, Swedish-born model Cécilia Bönström became the artistic director of Zadig & Voltaire. Over the years, she has added her personal touch to the collection with her favorite pieces, such as camisoles, blazers, and hats.

The children's collection

The children’s collection by Zadig & Voltaire is available for all ages, from babies to teenagers. It is based on the same values as the adult collection: the brand’s goal is to offer pieces with simple yet elegant cuts, in natural and comfortable materials. The clothing is primarily designed to be comfortable and suited to the everyday life of children. There is always that little detail that makes the difference, in a rock & arty spirit: guitars, pirate-style skulls, or rebellious messages bring life to the most simple cuts.

The children’s models are often inspired by the adult collection, in a mini-me version. Each season, you’ll find the brand’s iconic Tunisian collar T-shirt, available in several styles, both long-sleeved and short-sleeved, but always in cotton for added comfort. All of the brand’s other essential basics are present, including military-print jackets, bombers, and denim pieces. Urban, sporty, or bohemian looks, Zadig & Voltaire clothes adapt to all the desires and needs of children. For special occasions, the brand also offers ceremonial outfits for both girls and boys.