

The brand knows how to deliver edgy fashion without sacrificing luxury or class, and has hit a sweet spot that other designers just fail to hone in on. Zadig & Voltaire is easily discernable for its rockstar essence, wrapped up beautifully in wads of cashmere and sheets of silk. This edge has won the brand a global following, and today is available to buy in several countries. However in 2003 with the appointment of Cecilia Bonstrom as head director, Zadig & Voltaire dresses, tops and everything in between adopted a punk-rock edge. The brand would make a name for itself for this pleasant style of clothing and found a market in providing highest-quality clothing to a select clientele. The collection contained a basis of Zadig & Voltaire knitwear, crafted from the finest material and available in bright colours, with tiny embellishments added by Amélie such as metallic skulls. Zadig & Voltaire released its first line in 1997. Today, Gillier continues to run Zadig & Voltaire but has handed over the design reins to Cecilia Bonstrom. The label took off, and Gillier’s designs were favoured for their fresh, unusual aesthetic. The name was derived from a novel written by Voltaire, in which the protagonist was named Zadig. In 1997 he founded Zadig & Voltaire clothes alongside his wife Amélie. He initially wished to set up a clothing brand to offer an affordable alternative to other ready-to-wear labels without skimping on style. Thierry had a strong background in design because of this. Gillier is the grandson of Lacoste founder André Gillier. Thierry Gillier and his wife Amélie are the founders of Zadig & Voltaire.
