Our story

Blonde woman against a granite rock, grey T-shirt printed with a portrait of Voltaire, black leather skirt and black studded bag worn on the shoulder

Founded in Paris in 1997 by Thierry Gillier, Zadig&Voltaire is a designer brand rooted in its time, which subverts the codes of luxury with impertinence to forge the unique character of its DNA.

Thierry Gillier in a black jacket and white shirt, holding a reproduction of a painted portrait of Voltaire in front of half of his face

A new kind of luxury

In creating Zadig&Voltaire, Thierry Gillier imagined a new kind of luxury. He broke away from the academic definition of the sector, enriching it with authenticity and warmth. This intellectual process forged a modern approach to luxury, expressed in a chic, relaxed style.

‘French Spirit of Freedom’

The House flies the flag for this credo, initiated by Thierry Gillier. Drawing on the world of contemporary art to create, it brings to life a style that conditions neither mind nor body: it is effortless.

This approach has become a mindset, a new way of seeing the world that favours the natural over artifice in a quest for personal meaning.

Blonde woman lying back on a bed near a window, floral-print jacket, white trousers, black bag beside her

Softness & strength

This timeless style is born from a tension between softness and strength, between boldness and nonchalance, and from an encounter between the masculine and the feminine. What seemed antagonistic becomes inextricably linked.

Two figures in light jackets and jeans along a street wall, one leaning back, the other walking, black and white photograph
Woman in aviator sunglasses, black tailored jacket over a heathered pink T-shirt printed in red, and red jogging bottoms

The freedom dear to Zadig&Voltaire is expressed in a look that combines and contrasts iconic pieces and materials, for a contemporary silhouette.

  • The softness of cashmere&the casualness of crinkled leather
  • The femininity of a lace dress&a pair of studded boots
  • An urban sweatshirt&a timeless fitted jacket

Zadig&Voltaire perpetuates a tradition of elegance while choosing to encourage uniqueness, no matter what.

Façade of a Zadig&Voltaire boutique, black sign in capital letters, shadows of foliage on the pale wall

A human experience

This philosophy gives rise to an absolute form of sincerity and authenticity. It is what turns the shopping experience in Zadig&Voltaire boutiques into a human experience.

The House's boutiques are a space for experimenting, where the Zadig Stylers have one sole aim: to find what ‘suits’ us, what elevates us, what reveals us.

This vision has won over free spirits, who recognised themselves in the philosophy of Zadig&Voltaire. The House does not judge or rank; through listening and advice, it stands as an exacting style guide that helps everyone express their individuality, forge their own style and break free of diktats.

Zadig&Voltaire Book: Established 1997 in Paris - French Version

Zadig&Voltaire: Established 1997 in Paris

The first monograph devoted to the House, published by Rizzoli for its 25th anniversary. Shows, parties, campaigns with Kate Moss or Erin Wasson: the book traces its history, and Nicole Phelps, drawing on an interview with Thierry Gillier, paints the portrait of the House and its founder.

Voltaire's philosophical tale Zadig, or The Book of Fate is reproduced in full, as an insert. French edition, hardback, 320 pages.

Zadig&Voltaire Book: Established 1997 in Paris - French VersionGBP 70

View the book

Zadig&Voltaire's incomparable style is cultivated, like a talent or a passion.