Zadig & Voltaire

The name "Zadig & Voltaire," calling to mind an intellectual and philosophical universe, may seem like a strange name for a prêt-a-porter label. The clothes, however, do support a different philosophy, a certain art de vivre, which has been the source of their success.

Thierry Gillier is originally from Troyes, France, a reputable textile city. His father, André Gillier, is the co-founder of Lacoste. His childhood was spent in designing, making and trying on clothes. He fell in love with fashion at an early age, and decided to make it his life.

He opened several multi-label clothing stores that he named "Zadig" after the Voltaire character he describes as being "charismatic, modern and courageous." He partnered with a Scottish cashmere producer to develop a line of sweaters and other pieces. In 1996, he put his first designs on sale.

"Zadig & Voltaire" came into being several months later, after he met Amélie. At the time, she was attending Sciences Po (the political science university) in Paris, but shared the same passion for textiles as Gillier. She also had a feeling for fashion and a precise idea of what it should be. Compatible both personally and professionally, the future Mr. and Mrs. Gellier decided to combine his textile technique and her style and design, and Zadig & Voltaire was born in 1997.

The original idea behind Zadig & Voltaire was to offer luxury at an affordable price, but the couple also instigated a new way to conceive of fashion and allure in general. Their first collection, based on knits, immediately won over a considerable clientele because it proposed a very recognizable silhouette: jeans, cashmere pullover, boots and leather jackets. A new, prêt-a-porter chic rock style was born, defining new urban luxury dress codes.

Affordable cashmere gradually became their signature material and was offered in bright, happy colors, e.g., mint green, florescent pink and golden sand, colors rarely seen in cashmere and which became the Zadig & Voltaire trademark. The originality of their relaxed pullovers lay also in the little rebel touches added by Amélie, e.g., skulls, eagles, or a rock star's name on the back.

Having understood that their strength lies in basic wardrobe must-haves, the label also developed the Tunisian t-shirt, available in all its collections. It even sported a photo of Obama during the American presidential campaign, an offbeat gesture in favor of "this man who incarnates change."

Another idea the couple had was to create six collections per year instead of two. Stock is renewed constantly (500 new models each year), which means their clientele is always tempted to come in and take a look, and the label generates talk. This is one of the reasons why Zadig & Voltaire has never needed publicity. In addition, the label has high-profile ambassadors, e.g., Charlotte Gainsbourg, Emma de Caunes, Marion Cotillard, Vanessa Paradis who can often be seen in their pieces.

The label became known by word of mouth, and international success was quick in coming. Boutiques opened everywhere and Zadig & Voltaire gradually conquered England, Russia, Belgium, Japan and the U.S.

Online sale was put in place and the label's offering diversified. Men's prêt-a-porter, children's, accessories, and in September 2008, a luxury collection were added. Now their VIP clients can purchase limited edition (30 models in 300 examples each) pieces in precious materials like silk or fur, always with a rock-n-roll feel.

Zadig & Voltaire affirm their rock inspirations to the point that the company has also become a music label and a cultural patron via "Zadig's List" online. Music is always their first inspiration, with images of guitars or music notes often appearing on their clothes.

This is a company that likes to weave connections with other worlds. Recently, they came out with an iridescent Blackberry cover, and partnered with Nike to create a rock sneaker.

Zadig & Voltaire is more than fashion. Gillier says the Zadig woman "likes the label that surpasses the limits of fashion... she likes to emphasize her personality, she feels strong and confident in her little Elvis cashmere pullover."