In honor of Zadig & Voltaire’s 25th anniversary, a chic book has been unveiled, encapsulating the brand’s unique fusion of French elegance and a rock ‘n’ roll spirit.
Crafted in collaboration with the esteemed Italian publisher Rizzoli, this eponymous book is a visual journey replete with captivating photography that defined the brand’s iconic concept.
Founded in 1997 by fashion visionary Thierry Gillier, this Parisian house draws inspiration from the 1747 philosophical novel «Zadig» by the legendary French thinker and writer, Voltaire.
Thierry Gillier’s creative pursuits have extended to Chateau Voltaire, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Paris adored by celebrities and art aficionados. It has also served as the venue for a recent book signing event hosted by designer Cecilia Bonstrom.
From its inception, Zadig & Voltaire aimed to infuse the same spirit of optimism and modernity found in the original novella. With a groundbreaking approach, the brand consistently blurred the boundaries between masculinity and femininity, merging upscale punk rebellion with Parisian hipster flair.
The resulting book is a compilation of iconic moments, stunning runway shots, striking advertising campaigns, and unique store architecture. It features evocative photography by renowned artists like Inez & Vinoodh and Olivier Zahm. The book delves into the brand’s influences and inspirations, presented in a three-paper format: uncoated for black and white imagery, coated for design object visuals, and tipped-in inserts.
Penned by the distinguished American fashion writer and Vogue Runway editor, Nicole Phelps, the book delves into the origins of the brand, playfully highlighting how Thierry Gillier named his fashion label after a beloved book from his youth. Zadig, the main character in an eighteenth-century fable by French philosopher Voltaire, represents the brand’s enduring connection to its literary and rebellious roots.
